Foundations in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Information about the January 2025 Cohort
Introduction to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
A unique, in-depth, interactive, and thorough educational experience. Experts in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy teach every aspect of this therapeutic approach. Intended for Speech Language Pathologists, Dental Providers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and allied health professionals.
Presented by the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT)
The AOMT is the leading post-graduate training academy for allied health professionals who want to treat orofacial myofunctional disorders.
- We are committed to providing the strongest foundation in the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy.
- Our curriculum is based in the latest evidence-based research
- We have taught more than half of the myofunctional therapists practicing in North America
- We have an extensive referral network, so that you can receive new patients from doctors in your local area
- Ongoing support in our mentorship program which meets weekly online
Meet Our Instructors
Marc Moeller, BS
Marc Richard Moeller, Managing Director of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), and Executive Director and Founding Board Chair of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS), has spoken on Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) worldwide. and supported the facilitation of research, public health projects, clinical protocols in OMT with over 50 universities, hospital groups, and governments.
Relevant Financial Disclosure Information: Marc is a paid lecturer for the AOMT, receives an honorarium, and is paid a salary by the organization.
Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure Information: Marc is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, a Director of Communications of the Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center, and has been on a Public Health Committee of the Teste de Linguinha (Frenulum Inspection Protocol) that has helped validate frenulum inspection protocols that has passed 18 laws in Brazil.
Joy Moeller, BS, RDH
Joy Moeller, BS, RDH, is a Registered Dental Hygienist and is a former associate professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, and has been practicing orofacial myofunctional therapy for over 40 years.
Relevant Financial Disclosure Information: Joy is a paid lecturer for the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and receives an honorarium. She is an on-going guest lecturer at USC, UCLA, Loma Linda University, West Coast University, and Cerritos College to ortho, perio, and pedo dental residents and hygiene students. She teaches in many residencies around the country and is a pioneering advocate for the benefits of myofunctional therapy, and passionate about inspiring her students to learn this invaluable treatment.
Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure Information: Joy is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences and is on the board of the Academy of American Dental Sleep Physiology (AAPMD).
Licia Paskay, MS, CCC-SLP
Licia graduated from Padua University (Italy) in speech therapy, from Antioch University, Los Angeles with a BA in Gerontology and from Cal. State U. Northridge with a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences, but she never stopped learning and pursuing education.
Licia is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in California (with an emphasis in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and the management of cognitive disorders) treating patients of all ages, mostly affected by dysphagia or orofacial myofunctional disorders, but also by Multiple Sclerosis, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Relevant Financial Disclosure Information: Licia is a paid lecturer for the AOMT and receives an honorarium. She is the co-editor of the text book, "New Trends in Myofunctional Therapy," and receives a royalty from the publisher.
Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure Information: Licia is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences.
Samantha Weaver, MS, CCC-SLP
As the director of the AOMT, she has designed the courses offered, helping to facilitate the latest evidence based research which touches on breathing reeducation, sleep disorders, TMJ disorders, posture, fascia-release, and frenulum inspection and surgery. Samantha is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS).
Relevant Financial Disclosure Information: Samantha is a paid lecturer for the AOMT and receives an honorarium. She is also on faculty with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and receives an honorarium for teaching.
Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure Information: Samantha is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences and she is an adjunct professor at Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and supports research on myofunctional therapy at several universities around the world.
Doris Waite, RDH, AOMT-C
Doris graduated Dental Hygiene in 1978 and has worked for a certified specialist in orthodontics since 1979. A graduate of the AOMT Myofunctional therapy course in 2012, Doris began private practice doing myofunctional therapy and Buteyko Breathing Education ever since. Doris is the first student to be certified at the AOMT. She loves gardening, photography, travel, professional basketball and baseball.
Relevant Financial Disclosure Information: Doris is a paid lecturer for the AOMT and receives an honorarium.
Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure Information: Doris serves on the board of the Buteyko Breathers Educators Association.
Introduction to Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Our course has been expanded to support our students with extensive learning in Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology centered around the orofacial complex.
Once you register you will receive materials to support your learning as well as an invitation to the cohort calendar that includes all zoom meeting information.
LIVE INSTRUCTION DATES
All These Meetings are on Zoom and Recorded for Future Use
January 24th, 25th, 26th: Opening Weekend
(9am - 2pm US Los Angeles, CA / Pacific Time (two 15 minute breaks included)
* * *
Saturday 2/1 9:00AM - 11:35AM PT
Saturday 2/8 9:00AM - 11:35AM PT
Saturday 2/15 9:00AM - 11:00AM PT
Saturday 2/22 9:00AM - 11:00AM PT
Saturday 3/1 9:00AM - 11:00AM PT
Saturday 3/8 9:00AM - 11:00AM PT
Saturday 3/15 9:00AM -11:00AM PT
Saturday 3/22 9:00AM - 12:00PM PT FINAL WRAP UP
EVERY TUESDAY @ 6PM PACIFIC TIME WE RUN A MANDATORY 1 HOUR Q&A SESSION / OFFICE HOURS ON ZOOM
EVERY SATURDAY 8am PACIFIC TIME WE RUN AN OPTIONAL STUDY CLUB called "The Myo Coffee Klatsch"
What Is Included In This Course
On-Demand Course: 20 hours 10 minutes
Section 1: Introduction & Overview of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders 60 minutes
Section 2: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Total Run Time: 4 hours 23 minutes
Section 3: Assessment Principles & Evaluation 3 hours 20 Minutes
Section 4: Treatment 4 hours 37 minutes
Section 5: Practicing Myofunctional Therapy with Patients who have Co-Morbidities 1 hour 30 minutes
Section 6: Practice Management: Implementing Myofunctional Therapy into your Existing Practice 2 hours
Section 7: Evidence Based Research 1 hour 20 minutes
All students are asked to attend a mandatory Orientation meeting (30 minutes) prior to the launch of live instruction. On opening weekend, students will be matched with a partner and assigned an exercise of performing a myofunctional assessment on each other (1 hour each) for a total of two hours of off-site work, done on Zoom.
Introduction & Overview
What is a myofunctional disorder? How does this impact function over the life span? What are the key tenets in understanding the impact soft tissue has on bone?
In this section, Samantha will walk you through how Myofunctional Disorders progress if left untreated. She uses a real case study to follow the impact oral breathing has on the entire body over the life span.
Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
With 11 modules dedicated to the physical structure of the orofacial complex, Licia Coceani Paskay outlines all the parts one needs to know when treating an orofacial myofunctional disorder. Come away with a deeper dive into Craniofacial bones, muscles, functions, and occlusion. Learn the functions around chewing and swallowing and early feeding. As an expert in the field, Licia's passion is sure to inspire.
Assessment
How does one evaluate for an orofacial myofunctional disorder? What validated tools can we use as clinicians? In this section, Samantha outlines how to observe tongue function, restriction, and how to gain more confidence in speaking with patients about what you observe.
Treatment
No one person is the same, so how does one begin the process of treatment? With so many functions at play in a myofunctional disorder, how can we begin to treat atypical swallowing, open mouth posture, or noxious oral habits such as thumbsucking? This module outlines dozens of therapeutic techniques which are applied in a systematic approach to the treatment of OMDs. Come away with an accessible approach to treat patients, and a clear guideline of the goals and objectives of exercises as they are scheduled in a full year of treatment.
CoMorbidities
So many patient cases come with complex comorbidities, so how does the therapist address these while working on treatment for a myofunctional disorder? In this section, Joy Moeller reviews the dos and don'ts in cases where TMD, OSA and other conditions are present. You'll learn via case studies and how to focus on the OMD as you apply treatment.
Practice Management
Foundations of knowledge are critical, but so is the business of doing treatment. In this section you will hear how Joy started, how she collaborates, what she has learned in the 40 years of doing therapy, and how you can be the very best therapist you can be by following clear business and practice management guidelines to be a viable and sustainable business.
Current Research
In the last 10 years, the research in myofunctional therapy has been remarkable: with one paper in 2009 that looked at oropharyngeal exercises, Brazil set the stage and the world of sleep medicine took notice. In this section you will review key papers and how to review research. As an AOMT student you will have access to a curated collection of papers that are cornerstones of myofunctional therapy and sciences that gets updated with new publications as they emerge.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course attendees will be able to:
1. Identify the 32 common orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)
2. Compare the impact of OMDs across disciplines
3. Apply at least 15 diagnostic protocols to obtain objective data
4. Implement at least 10 strategies for oral habit control
5. Select appropriate exercises and protocols for treatment
6. Customize treatment in patients with various co-morbidities
7. Define and explain multidisciplinary methodology in treatment of OMDs
8. Analyze issues related to privacy, hygiene, and patient advocacy
Pre-Requisite for Registration
All registrants must hold a valid license in their respective country, state, province, or region and be in good standing.
Pricing Options
Our course is held on a cohort basis. Our next cohort begins January 24th, 2025 and meets over the weekend to kick off our deep dive into Assessment of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
Premium Quality Guarantee!
Our program aims to build confidence through repeated exposure to the course material with an invitation to join in at any time in a future cohort session on zoom. We are dedicated to updating our material with clinical findings and research so that your foundation in myofunctional therapy is constantly up to date and on the edge of science. As passionate clinicians and educators, we are committed to your ability to treat patients and help others!
The Amazing Results Our Students Are Getting
"Amazing course! You will definitely walk away with a strong base of education to begin your OMT career. Their commitment to continued growth goes beyond the course itself. They have created a community of knowledge, spanning all levels of experience, that meet weekly to encourage, enlighten, and educate. Highly recommend the AOMT and Buteyko Breathing courses."
Karen Duke, RDH
"As an airway focused dentist I have to say that the AOMT training completely opened my eyes to a whole new and wonderful world of information that is so very important if we are to treat our patients optimally. The online format is perfect – you can go at your own pace if you have a busy schedule. And the support from Samantha and her team is unsurpassed! The AOMT is special – they sincerely care and are committed to you and to teaching the information."
Nina Hayashi, DDS
"I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about myofunctional therapy through the AOMT and cannot speak more highly about the quality of education and ongoing support that they offer. The expertise they have enlisted to create curriculum and to assist with mentorship is invaluable."
Tiffany Ludwicki, RDH
Your Practice Before This Program
- Lost in a clear approach to treatment
- Isolated from other clinicians doing this therapy
- Unable to build the right team around me so I can deliver the care my patients need
- Unclear of my role as a therapist or clinician
- Lacking confidence as I go out to connect with other providers
- Unable to create a referral system within my community
Your Practice After This Program
- A systematic approach I can use to treat orofacial myofunctional disorders
- A community I trust, grow, learn with and laugh with! True friendships and professional alliances are formed.
- I have been connected with providers I may work with, via the community I am now a part of.
- I understand my role as a therapist and how I can help patients and business colleagues
- I feel inspired to bring my knowledge forward, as the science and community supports this growing field
- I know doctors, dentists, and others I am collaborating with now that I have inroads and introductions.
Policies
If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to our director, Samantha Weaver or to our Managing Director, Marc Moeller. Samantha is also the contact for any specific accessibilities/accommodations concerns. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] at least 7 days prior to the beginning of your cohort letting us know what your needs might be. Or by phone at +1-213-298-0551.
Samantha and/or Marc are also the contact people for any complaint, conflict, or constructive ideas, and refunds of any kind. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] within two weeks of the end of the cohort in writing to schedule a zoom video or Facetime call to discuss any problems. Notes from the conversation will be taken and discussed with the entire CE unit. The participant will then be contacted by the CEA for another face to face call with the resolution of the complaint or conflict.
If the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy must cancel any course, live or online for any reason, a full refund of registration cost will be issued within two weeks of cancellation. No other remuneration for travel or lodging will be issued.
If a program is rescheduled, participants can choose to apply their registration to the new date, or receive the refund as above
Participants who cancel their registration in writing or email up until 3 days prior to a live course will receive a full refund less a $500 processing fee which also covers materials sent. There will be no refund after the live course has begun or is completed.
Successful Completion of Course:
All credits will be awarded with documented attendance (by our security team) of all Zoom sessions in person or recorded, completion of all online course information including all exercises and completion of all quizzes in every module with greater than 80% accuracy, and completion of the program evaluation. All materials must be completed by 5/1/2025 in order for credits to be included in the 2025 calendar year. The total amount of credit is 69 hours. No partial credit will be awarded.
