Decoding Myofunctional Disorders: Causes and Effects

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) often originate from patient habits or conditions that manifest during infancy, potentially disrupting healthy function and persisting throughout a person’s lifetime. These disorders can provoke reactions that complicate dental treatments, making routine dental appointments challenging and potentially leading to more severe health complications affecting breathing, sleep, and beyond.

Gain insights into how to identify these oral myofunctional disorders and understand their origins. Participants will learn how to perform thorough OMD screenings for patients across all age groups, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations. The curriculum features exploration of case studies, shedding light on the substantial benefits of early detection of these disorders and enabling preventative care and better management.

Course Objectives: 

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of orofacial myofunctional disorders.Learn a strategy for screening your existing patient base for these disorders.
• Recognize common involuntary patient reactions such as gagging, lip clenching, or dental anxiety as potential signs of underlying myofunctional issues.
• Distinguish between habit-based behaviors and functional disorders by understanding key oral and facial developmental milestones across the lifespan.
• Apply case-based learning to connect clinical symptoms with root causes, enhancing your ability to co-manage care with airway-focused and interdisciplinary providers. 

Speaker: Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC is a dental educator, consultant, and clinician dedicated to advancing integrative, prevention-focused care. She earned her certification in orofacial myology through the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) in 2017 and currently serves as IAOM President. In 2022, she became an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), further deepening her whole-body approach to oral health. Joy is the founder of Joy Lantz: Transforming Oral Health, where she educates patients, parents, and professionals while consulting with dental practices seeking to thoughtfully integrate airway-centered care. Her passion lies in empowering dental and medical teams to collaborate in early screening for oral myofunctional and airway disorders to support lifelong health.

Disclosure:  The speaker has no conflicts to disclose.