Class 1:
Diagnosing orofacial dysfunction requires specific skill and experience. Therefore,
prescribing appropriate exercises can be challenging. This presentation introduces
the first ever algorithm for this process. The Myofocus Take Off Algorithm can be
implemented in all aspects of orofacial-related dysfunction including mouth
breathing, sleep disorders, snoring, tongue tie, and jaw development.
Class 2:
In the myofunctional therapy world, healthcare providers from various disciplines
need to collaborate and connect, with one goal of serving patients to achieve
wholistic functional health. Communication and behavioural education skills support
team building and patient compliance. This seminar discusses strategies and
experiences regarding these aspects of care.

Presentation 1: As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Describe why early intervention in orofacial myofunctional therapy is important.
• Discuss how the Myofocus Take Off Algorithm works.
• Summarize codes and levels of the algorithm.
• Explain how the algorithm is implemented with patients while illustrating results.
• Provide a brief description of tongue tie.

Presentation 2: As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Explain the importance of communication.
• Identify an in-house team with a clear purpose.
• Identify a network of collaborating practitioners.
• Measure patient compliance.
• Analyze practice growth resulting from communication.

Class 1:
10 minutes: Why we need to start treatment early
5 minutes: How the whole body is interconnected
10 minutes: How the algorithm works
5 minutes: Codes and levels of the algorithm
10 minutes: Case study
10 minutes: Case study
10 minutes: The sequence of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
10 minutes: Tongue tie
10 minutes: Case study
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Class 2:
10 minutes: What is communication?
10 minutes: The importance of collaboration for myofunctional health
15 minutes: Building a practice and team on the same page
15 minutes: Building a network of like-minded practitioners
15 minutes: How to guide and improve patient compliance
15 minutes: Growing a practice
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

In 1998, Dr. Donny graduated from the University of Melbourne in Australia as a general dentist. His first exposure to Orofacial Myofunctional Orthodontics was in 2001. Beginning in 2002, he pursued further education in the areas of Dentofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Oral Restrictions, and Orofacial Myofunctional Postural Airway Orthodontics taught by various multidisciplinary experts (i.e., orthodontists, dentists, speech pathologists, osteopaths, and chiropractor).

Since 2014, he has lectured internationally in Indonesia, Japan, Australia, USA, and Malaysia. Currently, he teaches as part of Myofocus Education, co-founded with Dr. Dan Hanson. Together, they co-created the Myofocus Take Off Algorithm, the first ever system of delivering Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy using individualized algorithmic prescriptions. They now have over 170 different prescriptions to train patients in correcting their orofacial dysfunctions.

Dr. Donny is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics. Additionally, he received his Post Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the London Dental Institute in the United Kingdom.

As an airway centric myofunctional dentist, Dr. Donny operates two centres in Melbourne, Australia. He now restricts his practice to Early Intervention Orofacial Myofunctional Dentistry, within the scopes of Dentofacial Orthopedics, Orthodontics, Dental Sleep Medicine, and Tethered Oral Tissue Revision. His youngest patient, so far, was 2 days old. His oldest patient was 74 years of age.

Financial Disclosure:
Dr. Mandrawa is a co-educator for Myofocus Education and is a co-owner of the business, providing continuing education courses, seminars, and symposiums globally. He also runs two private dental clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Mandrawa is the co-founder and co-owner of Myofocus Australia, trading as Myofocus Education. He is also the founder and owner of Mandrawa Dental, trading as The Myofunctional Centre, in North Melbourne and North Balwyn, Australia. Dr. Mandrawa received travel expenses, one night hotel stay, a convention registration waiver, and a complimentary vendor table as agreed upon for this presentation.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Dr Mandrawa is not affiliated with nor receiving any remuneration or commissions from other brands or product companies, including Myo Munchee, Myofunctional Research Company, Myobrace, Healthy Start, Myospots, Froggy Mouth, Sleepystrips, and others.

Class 4:
The biological laws of human biomechanics in orofacial myofunctional therapy are important as they form the principles of physical therapy and help individuals make sense of mechanisms used to achieve orofacial neuromuscular rehabilitation. These proven laws help with understanding structure, function, and motion of human biological systems.

Class 5:
The Ikigai concept is the feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment which follows when people pursue their passions. This is a reason for getting up in the morning and where individuals focus their energy to find ultimate fulfilment. The Ikigai concept influences people’s lives, empowers patients, and helps them succeed.

Class 4:
As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Define biological laws related to orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT).
• Discuss why biological laws are important for OMT.
• Identify biological laws applicable to OMT.
• Summarize the importance of referring to biological laws when speaking with patients.

Class 5:
As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Explain the Ikigai concept.
• Describe current life balance and spot potential burnout risk factors.
• Summarize the intersections between what practitioners love, what they do well, what the world needs, and what practitioners get paid.
• Define Hedonia and Eudaimonia.
• Summarize treating and looking after oneself to become better practitioners and keep a balance in personal lives.

Class 4:
30 minutes: Overview of biological laws related to orofacial myofunctional
therapy (OMT)
10 minutes: Why are biological laws important to OMT?
30 minutes: Which biological laws are applied to OMT and when?
10 minutes: The importance of referring to biological laws when speaking with patients
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Class 5:
10 minutes: What is the Ikigai concept?
20 minutes: Current life balance and how to spot potential burnout risk factors
20 minutes: How practitioners can balance work and home life
20 minutes: What are Hedonia and Eudaimonia?
10 minutes: How to look after oneself while improving practice skills
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Time: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Yulli is the Founder at Myofunctional Therapy UK, volunteer President of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy, and the Founder of The Myobreathe Foundation and Clubs. She has a background in Clinical Massage Therapy and other forms of bodywork including Osteopathic Manual Techniques. She trained as a Dental Nurse in 1997 and subsequently qualified as a Dental Hygienist and Therapist from King’s College London in 2009. In 2017 she began her journey in Orofacial Myology and has continued to practice and develop in all three areas of clinical practice (i.e., bodywork, dentistry, orofacial myology).

​Additionally, Yulli trained in Cognitive Behavioural Techniques, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Buteyko Breathing Re-education, Comprehensive Tethered Oral Tissues Assessment, Dental and Medical Acupuncture, Temporomandibular Joint Rehabilitation Therapy and Osteopathic Technics, Adult and Pediatric Polysomnography, Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Dental Sleep Medicine, Primitive Reflex Integration, Dental CranioSacral Therapy, as well as Lactation Support.
​
Yulli has mentored and trained team members over the years, ensuring they have access to regularly updated knowledge and support sessions. She has traveled extensively over the years to complete her education in Orafacial Myology. Additionally, Yulli has dedicated the last couple of years to writing guidelines and protocols, as well as developing her now “patent pending” Orofacial Myology tool.
​
Yulli is the volunteer President of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy. The aim of the society is to raise public and professional awareness of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and their effects in the orofacial complex, teeth, and airway; highlighting the early signs of Sleep Disordered Breathing and its correlation with mouth breathing and poor orofacial development. She sits on the board as an honorary member of the British Association of Sleep Surgeons as an allied specialist, and on the Volunteer Board at the American Association for Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.
​
Yulli is a member of the International Affiliation of Tongue-tie Professionals, The British Sleep Society, The Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, The British Association of Sleep Surgeons, The British Dental Acupuncture Society, The British Society of Myofunctional Therapy, and The Association of Neurolinguistic Programming. She frequently lectures for dental and medical clinicians to increase knowledge of all areas of Orofacial Myology. Yulli lectures every year, since 2019, for the Imperial College’s Medical Faculty on the topic of Orofacial Myology as a treatment modality for pediatric sleep apnea.

Financial Disclosures:
Yulli Tamayo-Myerson owns Myofunctional Therapy UK for which she is compensated. She also sells books and orofacial myofunctional tools through her company. Yulli Tamayo-Myerson received a registration waiver, reimbursement for travel expenses, one night hotel stay, and a complimentary vendor table for this convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Yulli Tamayo-Myerson is the volunteer President of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy. She sits on the board as an honorary member of the British Association of Sleep Surgeons as an allied specialist, and on the Volunteer Board at the American Association for Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. Yulli is a member of the International Affiliation of Tongue-tie Professionals, The British Sleep Society, The Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, The British Association of Sleep Surgeons, The British Dental Acupuncture Society, The British Society of Myofunctional Therapy, and The Association of Neurolinguistic Programming.

This lecture delves into the role of pediatric dentistry in airway health, specifically addressing how dental interventions like expansion, early identification, and collaborative treatment of oral restrictions in infancy can significantly improve breathing and overall health in children. The presentation explores the latest techniques and approaches in dental interventions.

As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Discuss typical and atypical anatomy and physiology.
• Describe effective assessment of airway issues using the latest techniques.
• Explain how dental expansion can improve airway and overall health.
• Summarize the role of frenectomies and other treatment options.
• Identify current best practices and ongoing need for new knowledge.

10 minutes: Pediatric airway obstruction, anatomy, and physiology
10 minutes: Diagnostic techniques and assessment approaches
10 minutes: Dental expansion
10 minutes: Frenectomies for airway health
10 minutes: Best practices and future directions
10 minutes: Questions and Answers

Total Instructional Time: 60 minutes (1 hour)

Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Southern California (USC). She specialized in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nevada (UNLV) and is a board- certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a Regent Scholarship Magna Cum Laude graduate from UCLA and received the Pediatric Health Award for her volunteer efforts in the underserved community. She completed a two-year Pediatric Dental Residency program at UNLV, where she gained experience providing high-level dental and orthodontic care for fragile, behaviorally challenging, and medically compromised pediatric patients. Empowered by her mission to educate young patients and their families on habits leading to positive oral health and orofacial development, Dr. Ghodousi-Zaghi creates a positive and caring dental experience for her patients. She is dedicated to delivering functional and integrative oral health care, along with interceptive orthodontics at Breathe Kids Dental. Her approach emphasizes the importance of overall health and well- being. Dr. Ghodousi-Zaghi collaborates closely with The Breathe Institute.

Additionally, she serves as an instructor and provider at Myobrace. She is also an active participant in the dental conference circuit, where she provides educational lectures focusing on pediatric dentistry. Furthermore, she has provided lectures for TalkTools and others.

Financial Disclosures:
Dr. Ghodousi-Zaghi received an honorarium for this presentation. Additionally, Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi delivers functional and integrative oral health care, along with interceptive orthodontics, at Breathe Kids Dental. She collaborates closely with The Breathe Institute and has received financial compensation for her contributions. She also serves as an instructor and provider at Myobrace, a role for which she has been compensated. She is also an active participant in the dental conference circuit, where she has been remunerated for her educational lectures focusing on pediatric dentistry. Furthermore, she has provided lectures for Talk Tools and others, receiving compensation for her efforts.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Dr. Ghodousi-Zaghi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the AAPD, ADA, and CDA, and she serves as a part of the Project Sleep Board of Advisors.

Sleep disordered breathing encompasses a spectrum of issues that affect breathing patterns in sleep. The issues broadly range from simple mouth breathing to severe apneas. Medical literature discusses numerous non-invasive or invasive methods to salvage the situation; however, there are few prevention protocols to date.

Learner Outcomes
As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify oral myofunctional disorders.
2. Implement treatment approaches in their practices.
3. Outline the connection between myofunctional disorders and sleep disordered breathing.
4. Describe the role of tongue as a respiratory organ.

10 minutes: Importance of sleep, What is sleep disordered breathing (SDB)? Effects of SDB
10 minutes: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the tongue’s role in mouth breathing
10 minutes: Tongue tie prevalence and evidence, effect of tongue ties on sleep
10 minutes: Effect of tongue ties on posture, TMJ, cavities, etc.
10 minutes: Revisiting the risk factors of OSA
10 minutes: Case presentations
5 minutes: Evidence in the literature
5 minutes: Differences between tongue restriction and dysfunction
5 minutes: Case presentations
5 minutes: Conclusion
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Hours: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)

DR SHIFA SHAMSUDEEN is a Preventive Pediatric Dentist. She had a Fellowship in Dental Sleep Medicine at Tufts University and is an International Certificant of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Her expertise includes functional tongue tie release, pediatric dental sleep medicine, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and preventive pediatric dentistry. In 2011, she founded LITTLE WE – preventive holistic dental care centres in tier 3 cities to make dentistry accessible for everyone. She is also the founder of the Institute of Craniofacial Myology and Pediatric Sleep which trains professionals in the field of airway-focused dentistry. Additionally, she is the founder and trustee of The Tongue foundation – an NGO initiated to emphasize the role of the tongue in craniofacial growth and function. Dr. Shifa is the creator of the Myoline protocol – a strategically curated myofunctional program that helps align teeth naturally without extractions. She has successfully helped more than 700 children achieve naturally aligned teeth. She is also a member of various prestigious international organizations. These include the International Association of Orofacial Myology, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals to name a few. Additionally, she is an ambassador for The Breath Institute.

Financial Disclosure:
Dr. Shamsudeen founded LITTLE WE – preventive holistic dental care centres in tier 3 cities to make dentistry accessible for everyone. She is also the founder of the Institute of Craniofacial Myology and Pediatric Sleep which trains professionals in the field of airway-focused dentistry. Dr. Shamsudeen is the creator of the Myoline protocol – a strategically curated myofunctional program that helps align teeth naturally without extractions. Dr. Shamsudeen received a registration waiver, travel expenses, and one night hotel accommodation for this convention.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Dr. Shamsudeen is the founder and trustee of The Tongue foundation – an NGO initiated to emphasize the role of the tongue in craniofacial growth and function. She is also a member of various prestigious international organizations. These include the International Association of Orofacial Myology, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenula Professionals to name a few. Additionally, she is an ambassador for The Breath Institute.

This presentation discusses the impact of oral ties on the quality of sleeping, breathing, feeding, and movement in infancy and beyond from an occupational therapy (OT) perspective. OT is unique in that therapists can evaluate and treat sensory motor problems, primitive reflex retention, etc. pertaining to mouth and airway development.

As a result of this class, the participant will be able to:
• Identify developmental red flags pertaining to sensory processing, retained reflexes, and/or developmental motor delays.
• Summarize how occupational therapy (OT) assessment and treatment contribute to orofacial myofunctional therapy and when to refer.
• Apply recommended OT activities in a corresponding treatment plan for optimal functional outcomes related to mouth and airway development.
• Describe how infant foundational skills (e.g., sensory regulation, reflex integration, tummy time, etc.) relate to toddlers, children, and adults with orofacial myofunctional disorders.
• Discuss how to integrate one’s respective profession and expertise into a comprehensive, transdisciplinary approach to address orofacial myofunctional issues.

5 minutes: Introduction to OT, Frames of Reference, Infant OT
20 minutes: Sensory Integration & Regulation/Relation to Ties
5 minutes: Case Study
20 minutes: Primitive Reflexes including Oral Reflexes/Relation to Ties
5 minutes: Case Study
20 minutes: Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, Solids/Relation to Ties
5 minutes: Case Study
20 minutes: Infant Sleeping & Breathing/Relation to Ties
5 minutes: Case Study
5 minutes: Tie-ing it All Together/Referring
10 minutes: Questions and Answers
Total Instructional Hours: 120 minutes (2 hours)

Dr. Nguyen is a board-certified and licensed occupational therapist. She received her Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree from the University of Southern California in 2010. She currently has a private practice in San Marino, CA, where she serves as the Director and Founder of The Center for Infant Tethered Oral Ties™. The Center’s primary mission is to simplify the patient’s plan of care via short-term, applicable therapy to attain effective results while implementing a comprehensive home program with parent/provider education.

Dr. Nguyen’s scope of practice includes pre- and post- oral sensory motor frenectomy therapy, feeding therapy (e.g., breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, transitioning to solids, etc.), evaluating and providing therapy for children who are failure to thrive, have torticollis, plagiocephaly, and any related developmental concerns. She focuses on the quality of a baby’s sleeping, breathing, feeding, and functional mobility. Dr. Nguyen is passionate about teaching for conferences, schools, private practices, and parent groups, as well as mentoring clinicians in the field of infant care. She is a frequent guest lecturer for The Breathe Institute’s Myo Masterminds Program and the Children’s Center at Caltech. Dr. Nguyen’s approach is trans-disciplinary. She takes pride in her thorough evaluations, her communication and collaboration with team members, as well as her connections with families.

Financial Disclosures:
Dr. Christine Nguyen received 1 night hotel stay, convention registration, and an honorarium as agreed upon for this presentation. Dr. Nguyen has a private practice in San Marino, CA, where she serves as the Director and Founder of The Center for Infant Tethered Oral Ties™. She is a frequent guest lecturer for The Breathe Institute’s Myo Masterminds Program and the Children’s Center at Caltech.

Non-Financial Disclosures:
Dr Nguyen is passionate about teaching for conferences, schools, private practices, and parent groups, as well as mentoring clinicians in the field of infant care.