Comprehensive Level I: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

This course provides a comprehensive evidence-based didactic and clinical learning experience presenting philosophies, principles, and insight into the specialty treatment area of Orofacial Myology as practiced on a global basis. The Level I course emphasizes the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation of therapeutic techniques, and evaluation of orofacial myofunctional disorders. Included are resting postures of the tongue, lips, and mandible; the dental freeway space; correct mastication and deglutition; and functional tongue/jaw patterning for speech readiness. A “Quit in a Day” oral habit elimination program for non-nutritive sucking habits is presented.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of this learning activity the participant will be able to:
 Explain the historical background and ethical principles of treating orofacial myofunctional disorders
 Review the IAOM Code of Ethics, Certification requirements and application process
 Review the ADHA and ASHA policy statements on Orofacial Myology and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
 Define orofacial myofunctional therapy
 Review basic histology, embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the orofacial complex, temporomandibular joint region, airway and breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking mechanisms
 Review necessity for understanding dental occlusion and centric relationships
 Discuss structural (form) environmental (function) and behavioral relationships
 Discuss accepted norms for speech development
 Understand how to conduct comprehensive orofacial myofunctional examination and oral cancer screening utilizing quantitative measurements and qualitative data
 Measure Range of Motion (ROM) patterning of the mandible and understand its significance
 Demonstrate the processes of correct resting posture, establishing a freeway space and diaphramatic breathing, and learn the breathe-suck-swallow-breathe dyad, mastication process, bolus formation, saliva & food transfer patterns, and understand how to correct a swallow pattern
 Formulate a comprehensive orofacial myofunctional diagnosis
 Discuss development of a comprehensive treatment plan for a therapeutic program utilizing quantitative and qualitative data
 Analyze therapeutic principles and exercise protocols utilized in correcting orofacial muscle dysfunction and muscle pattern deviations
 Understand how to evaluate the habituation processes
 Analyze protocols, components and techniques of a successful non-nutritive sucking elimination program (thumb, fingers, nails)
 Discuss aseptic techniques for infection control
 Interpret issues and principles for implementation of patient/client case management, record keeping, documentation and privacy issues
 Discuss ethics and regulatory issues

Phone: 708-805-3846 | Email: kbenkert@gmail.com to register

 
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