Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the historical development, foundational principles, and current role of orofacial myofunctional therapy within interdisciplinary healthcare.
• Identify the anatomical, physiological, and neuromuscular structures involved in normal and dysfunctional orofacial function.
• Differentiate typical orofacial function from common orofacial myofunctional disorders using clinical signs and functional characteristics.
• Perform a structured orofacial myofunctional assessment using patient history, clinical observation, photographic analysis, and objective functional measurements.
• Interpret assessment findings to recognize airway concerns, tongue mobility restrictions, compensatory movement patterns, and other functional deficits.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient-specific assessment findings and functional goals.
• Implement evidence-informed therapeutic exercises targeting tongue posture and mobility, lip competence, jaw stability, swallowing function, and breathing patterns.
• Integrate orofacial myofunctional therapy principles into interdisciplinary patient care while practicing within professional scope of practice.
• Apply patient education strategies to improve treatment adherence, home exercise compliance, and long-term functional outcomes.