SLP
Speech-Language Pathologists
Expand your clinical scope by adding orofacial myofunctional therapy to your practice. Address tongue thrust, oral rest posture, and swallowing patterns that impact articulation and resonance outcomes.
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IAOM Affiliate Course
Perspectives in Orofacial Myology28-Hour In-Person Introductory Course
For licensed SLPs, RDHs, OTs, PTs, MDs, and Dentists ready to integrate orofacial myofunctional therapy into clinical practice.
Oct 23–26, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown, NYCourse Starts In
40Days
05Hours
58Minutes
15Seconds
IAOM Affiliate Course
Watch Our Instructors in Action
From Speech to Sleep: The Expanding Role of the Speech Pathologist
Emilia del Pino, M.S., CCC-SLP/COM® and Dr. Mohamed A. Mohamed join Dr. Maria Sokolina for an in-depth conversation on orofacial myology, airway health, tongue thrust, and sleep medicine.
Watch NowThe Specialty
What is Orofacial Myology?
Orofacial myology (OMD) is the study and treatment of the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. When these muscles develop improper patterns — such as tongue thrust, incorrect oral rest posture, or disordered swallowing — they can affect speech, dental alignment, airway function, and overall quality of life.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are more common than most clinicians realize. They appear across the lifespan — from pediatric feeding challenges to adult sleep-disordered breathing — and they intersect with nearly every healthcare discipline.
Certified orofacial myologists (COMs) are trained to assess and treat these patterns through targeted neuromuscular re-education. The result: better outcomes for patients and a powerful new dimension to your clinical practice.
Common OMDs Addressed
Tongue thrust & incorrect swallowing
Oral rest posture dysfunction
Mouth breathing patterns
Lip incompetence
Dental malocclusion contributors
Pediatric feeding difficulties
Sleep-disordered breathing
TMJ-related muscle dysfunction
Our Philosophy
Clinical depth over credential volume.
Perspectives in Orofacial Myology was built on a single conviction: that clinicians who understand the why behind orofacial muscle dysfunction will produce better outcomes than those who simply follow a protocol.
Our curriculum integrates anatomy, neuromuscular science, and clinical reasoning from the first session. We limit enrollment to 20 participants so every attendee gets meaningful instructor access, hands-on lab time, and the kind of case-based learning that sticks.
We believe orofacial myology belongs in every interdisciplinary care team — and that the clinicians who attend this course leave ready to make that case in their own practice.
Small cohorts
Limited to 20 participants. Every attendee gets direct instructor access and hands-on lab time — not a seat in a lecture hall.
Evidence-based curriculum
Built on current research in myofunctional therapy, airway science, and neuromuscular rehabilitation. Updated before every cohort.
Interdisciplinary by design
SLPs, RDHs, OTs, PTs, and dentists learn alongside each other — because that is how OMD care actually works in practice.
COM-eligible on completion
Participants who complete all four days and pass the competency assessment are eligible to pursue the IAOM COM credential.
Curriculum Overview
What you will learn
The four-day curriculum moves from foundational science through clinical application. Every topic is taught with direct relevance to patient care.
Day 1Foundations
- Anatomy of the orofacial complex
- Normal vs. disordered muscle function
- Comprehensive OMD assessment
- Oral rest posture and nasal breathing
- Introduction to the swallowing mechanism
Day 2Treatment Protocols
- Tongue thrust remediation
- Lip and facial muscle retraining
- Swallowing pattern correction
- Pediatric OMD presentations
- Case study analysis and discussion
Day 3Clinical Application
- Hands-on patient demonstration labs
- Interdisciplinary referral pathways
- Orthodontic and dental co-management
- Sleep-disordered breathing connections
- Documentation and treatment planning
Day 4Advanced Practice
- Complex case presentations
- Airway and sleep medicine integration
- Building an OMD practice
- Competency assessment review
- COM credential pathway and next steps
ThroughoutCore Skills
- Motivational interviewing for patient compliance
- Home exercise program design
- Evidence-based outcome measurement
- Interdisciplinary communication
- Ethical and scope-of-practice considerations
IncludedWhat's Provided
- Full course manual and clinical reference materials
- Post-course digital resource access
- All hands-on lab supplies
- Certificate of completion
- IAOM membership eligibility
Who It's For
Why OMD Matters for Your Profession
RDH
Registered Dental Hygienists
Identify myofunctional disorders that contribute to periodontal disease, open bite, and mouth breathing. Become a key referral partner in interdisciplinary care teams.
Learn moreOT
Occupational Therapists
Integrate orofacial myology into feeding therapy, sensory processing, and pediatric oral motor programs. Strengthen your assessment and treatment planning toolkit.
Learn morePT
Physical Therapists
Connect orofacial muscle function to postural alignment, TMJ dysfunction, and craniofacial development. Add a powerful dimension to your musculoskeletal practice.
Learn moreMD/DO
Physicians
Understand the systemic connections between orofacial myofunctional disorders, airway health, and sleep-disordered breathing. Strengthen your interdisciplinary referral network.
Learn moreDDS/DMD
Dentists
Address the myofunctional root causes behind malocclusion, orthodontic relapse, and open bite. Integrate OMD assessment into your comprehensive dental care approach.
Learn moreNext Course
October 23–26, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Tarrytown, NY
4 Days
In-Person Course
CEU Eligible
28 AGD/PACE | 2.8 ASHA CEUs
IAOM Affiliate
IAOM Affiliate Course
Limited Seats
Small Group Format
Faculty
Meet Your Instructors
Instructor
Emilia del Pino
MS, CCC-SLP, COM®
Founder of CNY Speech Pathology and IAOM Executive Board Member with 30+ years of experience in airw...
Instructor
Nicole Tobon
BS, RDH, COM®
IAOM Executive Board Member with 23 years in pediatric-orthodontic dental hygiene and co-founder of ...
Instructor
Hetal Sutaria
BS, RDH, COM®, CertBBM
30+ years in dentistry and orofacial myology, co-founder of Westchester Myofunctional Specialties, a...
Guest Speaker
Dr. Mohamed A. Mohamed
MA, PHD, CCC-SLP, Reg. CASLPO, COM®
Founder of the Swallowing, Voice and Speech Rehab Clinic in Ontario and IAOM Board Member, specializ...
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the course, CEUs, or IAOM membership? We have answers.
View All FAQsLatest from Our Blog
Insights on Orofacial Myology
Orofacial Myology
From Speech to Sleep: The Expanding Role of the Speech Pathologist
Emilia del Pino and Dr. Mohamed A. Mohamed discuss orofacial myology, airway health, and sleep medicine with Dr. Maria Sokolina in this in-depth interview.
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