The Orofacial Complex Course
Understanding the Orofacial Complex will provide the participant a comprehensive understanding of the foundations in orofacial myology.
Instructors
Kristie Gatto, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®, and Amanda Chastain,MA, CCC-SLP,COM
This course is limited to licensed DDS, SLP, RDH, PT, OT or country equivalents.
Submission of license (or equivalent) is required at the time of registration


The Orofacial Complex Course: Parameters
This course will provide the participant a comprehensive understanding of the foundations in orofacial myology. Parameters will include developmental anatomy/physiology, dental, speech, medial etiologies, diagnostics, treatment planning, habit elimination, ethical scope of practice considerations and the didactic interaction of the orofacial complex from birth.
35 contact hours to meet the requirement for certification
(Pre-recorded information: 15 hours, Live information: 20 hours)
Learning Outcomes
The participant will be able to identify:

- The science of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and the evolution from early treatment practice.
- Define the basic terms in Orofacial myofunctional disorders, oromotor dysfunction, temporomandibular disorders, and parafunctional habits.
- Understand the development from embryology of the oropharyngeal complex.
- Understand the basic anatomy of orofacial complex as it relates to the hard and soft tissues and the cranial nerves

- Understand the muscular complex that most closely is associated with the orofacial myofunctional disorders
- Understand the importance of the airway, respiration, and patency of the oropharyngeal complex and classification systems for oropharyngeal isthmus (mallampati) and tonsillar classifications
- Identify classifications of occlusion
- Discuss feeding development and disruptions

- Discuss common orthodontic appliances, both functional and retaining
- Understand the basic phases of the normal swallowing process
- Discuss the parameters for typical mastication, deglutition, bolus formation, bolus transit, as it relates to solid/liquid/saliva consumption
- Identification of structural anomalies, including TOTs, clefts, and facial deformities.

- Identify the variances in swallowing patterns and resting postures
- Identify the development of feeding patterns, and associated speech patterns
- Demonstrate a comprehensive clinical examination for a patient with an OMD that includes structures, functioning of the structures and in swallowing.
- Discuss hierarchy of the development of orofacial movements appropriately and incorporate this hierarchy into a treatment plan

- Discuss the need for referrals, when, who and where
- Discuss the impact of non-nutritive sucking habits on the orofacial complex
- Integrate principles and techniques of habit elimination in treatment planning.
- Discuss the underlying principles of behavioral modification and reinforcers

- Demonstrate a skill base with therapeutic exercises for treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders
- Discuss the importance of habituation and integration into everyday life
- Discuss variances to the “typical” treatment plan for special populations

- Integrate a system of universal precautions and aseptic techniques
- Apply documentation and case management effectively
- Determine appropriate systems for business application and management that includes record keeping, HIPPA compliance, marketing, and financial aspects.
ACTIVITY CONTENT, METHODOLOGY AND LEARNING RESOURCES: TIME- ORDERED AGENDA
LENGTH OF TIME REVIEW
15 hours Pre-Recorded Videos (available approximately 3 weeks prior to the LIVE course)
Each section consists of notes overview and an assessment of the material that is required with a passing result to advance to the next session. Downloads of the text books and notes are provided at the beginning of each section. Only the notes are available to be printed.
- Part 1 The history 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Part 2 Embryology 1 hours, 15 minutes
- Part 3 Sensory and movement 40 minutes
- Part 4 Skeletal systems 1 hour, 8 minutes
- Part 5 Breathing 1 hour, 7 minutes
- Part 6 Jaw 45 minutes
- Part 7 Lips 45 minutes
- Part 8 Tongue 40 minutes
- Part 9 Soft palate, pharynx, larynx 50 minutes
- Part 10 Dental 1 hours 30 minutes
- Part 11 Contributing Factors 50 minutes
- Part 12 Cranial Nerves 25 minutes
- Part 13 Swallowing 25 minutes
- Part 14 Normal development 40 minutes
- Part 15 Common disruptions 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Part 16 Asepsis 20 minutes
- Part 17 Business 20 minutes
- Part 18 Marketing 35 minutes
- Part 19 Orthodontics and therapy 30 minutes
LIVE PORTION
online via zoom or in-person - 20 hours over three days
Day 1
ASSESSMENT
6 hours, 45 minutes
Day 2
TREATMENT
6 hours, 45 minutes
Day 3
TREATMENT PLANNING & CASE STUDIES
6 hours, 30 minutes