Statement from the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT)
The British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT) recognises the recent professional discussions arising across dentistry, orthodontics, speech and language therapy, airway-focused care, and the wider myofunctional therapy community regarding professional standards, regulation, and interdisciplinary practice within the UK healthcare environment.
The BSMFT acknowledges that many clinicians, educators, researchers, patients, and families share a sincere commitment to improving oral function, breathing, patient wellbeing, and interdisciplinary understanding in these areas. The Society supports continued professional dialogue, ethical research, and collaborative working across healthcare disciplines.
The BSMFT maintains that Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT/MFT) may form part of functional and supportive patient care within the United Kingdom when delivered appropriately, ethically, and within an individual practitioner’s professional scope, competence, and regulatory framework.
The Society does not regulate healthcare professionals and does not provide dental, orthodontic, medical, speech and language therapy, or diagnostic oversight. Responsibility for clinical decision-making, patient assessment, treatment recommendations, advertising, consent, and professional conduct remains solely with the individual practitioner and their relevant regulatory or professional body.
The BSMFT expects all members and practitioners associated with the Society to comply fully with:
- Applicable UK laws and regulatory requirements
- GDC, HCPC, GMC, NMC, or other relevant professional standards
- ASA/CAP advertising guidance
- Evidence-informed practice principles
- Professional scope-of-practice requirements
- Informed consent and documentation standards
- Patient safety and safeguarding obligations
The BSMFT does not position Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy as a replacement for orthodontic, dental, medical, or speech and language therapy treatment. The Society supports OMT only as a complementary and supportive therapeutic approach which may be incorporated into appropriately coordinated multidisciplinary care where clinically indicated.
The Society strongly advocates that Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy should be provided only by appropriately trained healthcare professionals — including Dental Care Professionals (DCPs), Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), dentists, orthodontists, and other regulated clinicians, who:
- Remain accountable to an appropriate professional or statutory regulatory body
- Practise within their professional competence and legal scope
- Maintain appropriate Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance
- Maintain accurate clinical records and consent procedures
- Use appropriate referral pathways where necessary
The BSMFT expects practitioners to communicate responsibly and avoid exaggerated, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims relating to craniofacial growth, airway outcomes, sleep-disordered breathing, facial aesthetics, orthodontic outcomes, or medical benefit.
Where evidence remains emerging, limited, or contested, practitioners should clearly distinguish between:
- Established evidence
- Clinical observation
- Professional opinion
- Educational discussion
- Emerging theories or hypotheses
The BSMFT supports respectful interdisciplinary collaboration and recognises the essential role of regulated healthcare professionals in the assessment and management of dental, orthodontic, medical, speech, airway, and developmental conditions.
Nothing within this statement should be interpreted as legal advice, clinical guidance for individual patient care, endorsement of specific treatment philosophies, or confirmation of clinical efficacy for any particular therapeutic claim or approach.
The BSMFT remains committed to promoting ethical practice, patient safety, professional accountability, and the responsible development of evidence-informed Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy within the UK healthcare environment.
Approved by the Executive Committee of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT)
May 2026*