CEU: IAOM, AGD, ASHA

This introductory course will provide participants with a foundation for critical thinking in which the participant can then assimilate the knowledge to develop a clinical awareness through examination of the orofacial complex and create an individualized therapeutic program for each patient. The course encompasses core elements of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) history, research, dental, speech, orofacial myofunctional interdisciplinary perspectives, anatomy-physiology, examination, evaluation, ethical and therapeutic approaches within International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) scope of practice.

Course Objectives

Understand the science and research for orofacial myofunctional therapy
Evaluate and diagnose orofacial myofunctional disorders
Provide clinical and practical application of a therapeutic program
Discuss the multidisciplinary connection between dental, speech, and orofacial myofunctional therapy
Implement a plan for referral and patient education

This introductory course is offered to Speech Pathologists, Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists. The course is a mandatory requirement for those wishing to be certified through the IAOM. Following this course, participants will immediately be eligible for both membership and certification into the IAOM. You will be prepared to begin evaluating and treating clients with OMDs.

Christine Stevens Mills B.S., SLP, COM™ is an IAOM Certified Orofacial Myologist and Speech Language Pathologist. She opened her first private practice in 1974 devoted exclusive to the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders and chronic sucking patterns. In 1980 she became a (COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist through the International Association of Orofacial Myology. Christine has served on the board of directors for the IAOM. In 1994 she obtained the position as an Assistant Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy Orthodontic Department teaching a graduate course on Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders for eighteen years retiring from the University in 2015. In 2010 she increased her teaching to include COM (Certified Orofacial Myology) Certification Track Courses in Michigan.

Christine has authored several articles, two were published in the IJOM; “International Association of Orofacial Myology History Origin ~ Background ~ Contributors,” and “Fortieth Anniversary of The International Journal of Orofacial Myology IJOM, The Face of the IAOM.” “What about thumb sucking?” was published in the RDH (2010.) In 2019 a culmination of her experiences and expertise she authored a book Two Thumbs Up understanding and treatment of thumb sucking A guide for parents & professionals.