TREATING OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS: BEYOND THE SYMPTOMS

Course overview

This 2-day workshop is an advanced survey course, in orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) for the experienced medical professional whose scope of practice intersects in the orofacial complex. Differential diagnosis and feeding, swallowing, and communication techniques will be featured throughout the workshop that can be incorporated into therapy immediately. Objective Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Define orofacial myofunctional disorders, their etiology, and their many presentations. Understand the scope of practice of OMT and the many fields that intersect in the orofacial complex. List the sequence of events that develop into OMDs and discuss the importance of prevention and early intervention. Learn how to screen for OMDs. List the many populations of patients that are impacted by OMDs and the different medical professionals involved in patient care. Measure oral structures and rate oromyofunction through newly available protocols. Review goals and objectives of OMT therapy and how to assess and use OMT treatment programs, concepts, and tools. Review and discuss pediatric and adult case studies. Discuss the concept of neuroplasticity and neuromuscular reeducation. Examine how breathing impacts OMDs and how breathing therapy is incorporated into OMT. Examine how OMDs impact people across the lifespan and how the simple act of mouth breathing can set the stage for life threatening illnesses. Incorporate OMD differential diagnosis criteria into your intake and evaluation process. Review the current protocols for evaluation. Learn how to prioritize treatment and coordinate care in a multidisciplinary team. Review the many malocclusions involved with OMDs and the many presentations of tongue thrust swallow. Discuss the epigenetics of chewing and swallowing and how our faces have changed with modern diets. Learn how to use chewing to develop better oral function. Examine the many presentations of ankyloglossia and how restricted lingual and labial frenula impact oral development, feeding, swallowing, and articulation. Review the recent research and international developments in the field of OMT. Learn how to connect nationally and internationally with professionals studying, teaching, and practicing OMT.