Beyond Teeth: How Orofacial Muscles Shape Sleep, Swallowing, and Posture
Friday, January 29, 2027
9:00 – 11:00 am
Course Code:
616RL
Cost:
$89
Credits:
2
CE Hours
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) involve abnormal patterns of muscle function of the lips, tongue, and jaw that can affect breathing, swallowing, jaw stability, and posture. These dysfunctional patterns are often associated with conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and orthodontic instability. This course reviews the neuromuscular foundations of orofacial function and the role of neuroplasticity in establishing and retraining these patterns. In this course, attendees will gain insight into how orofacial myofunctional therapy can help improve oral function, airway health, and long-term treatment stability.
Speakers
- Recognize the clinical signs and functional impact of orofacial myofunctional disorders on breathing, swallowing, jaw function, and posture
- Explain how neuroplasticity influences the development and retraining of neuromuscular patterns involved in orofacial function
- Identify the relationship between orofacial myofunctional disorders and conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and dysfunctional swallowing
- Discuss how orofacial myofunctional therapy can help retrain muscle patterns to support improved airway health and treatment stability
The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at
ADA.org/CERP