The British Society of Myofunctional Therapy
Why Join the BSMFT
Find a Myofunctional Therapist
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs can directly and/or indirectly affect breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, TMJ movement, dental hygiene, the stability of orthodontic treatment, facial aesthetics and more.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is the “neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the orofacial muscles.” This therapy includes facial and tongue exercises and behaviour modification techniques, to promote proper tongue position and improved breathing, chewing and swallowing.
BSMFT Members are invited to our monthly study clubs and get unlimited access to past sessions and other content. Throughout the year we have a line up of incredible UK based functional healthcare providors who are pioneers in their fields.
The BSMFT is committed to the provision of evidence based clinical treatment, find the latest research providing information and data validating Myofunctional Therapy as a key adjunctive to optimal oral and airway health.
“Orofacial Myology is postgraduate training for Dental Care Professionals (Dental Hygienist and Therapists, Dentists, Orthodontic Therapists, Dental Nurses) and Speech and Language Therapists. In the UK these are the only healthcare professionals with the skill set, knowledge of the head and neck, and remit to train in this field and provide this specialist treatment.
Note: Dental Nurses trained in Orofacial Myology will be able to assist with the provision of the therapy only. OMD s diagnostics and treatment planning are reserved for those Orofacial Myology practitioners who have diagnostics and treatment planning of the stomatognathic system within their scope of practice.
Other Health care professionals may be able to take familiarisation training in the subject to enhance referral pathways and provide patient information.”
NICE Guidelines
Guidence and policy utilising Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy as a Treatment Consideration
Management of the Developing Dentition and Occulsion
Page 5, paragraph 2
Myofunctional Therapy as an Intervention
Obstructive sleep apnoea/ hypopnoea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome in over 16s Evidence Review N: Adherence
Page 7, paragraph 1
Management of Temporomandibular Disorders
GP Advice Surgical Threshold Policy
Evidence and references to support this policy are available in Part 2 of this policy
Derek Mahony is a Sydney based Orthodontist
BDS (Syd), MScOrth (Lon), DOrthRCS (Edin), MDOrthRCPS (Glas), MOrthRCS (Eng), FRCD (Can), MOrth RCS (Edin), FICD, IBO, FACD, FICCDE, FIADFE, FPFA, Grad Dip Dental Sleep Medicine (WA), Grad Dip Dent (Ortho)
Diplomate of the International Board of Orthodontics
