What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy(OMT)?
OMT is the “neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the orofacial muscles.” This therapy includes facial and tongue exercises and behavior modification techniques to promote proper tongue position, improved breathing, chewing, and swallowing.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs can affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth, and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, TMJ movement, dental hygiene, the stability of orthodontic treatment, facial aesthetics, and more.
Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing. The subsequent adaptation of the muscles and the oral and facial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders can impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language therapist and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
“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.”
A Brief History of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) has its roots in the early 1900s when researchers and clinicians began recognizing the impact of oral habits, tongue posture, and muscle function on facial growth and speech development.
In the 1900s, Dr. Alfred Paul Rogers, a dentist, first observed the connection between oral muscle dysfunction and dental issues. His work laid the foundation for future studies on how the tongue, lips, and facial muscles influence dental occlusion and airway function. In the 1960s, Dr. Daniel Garliner and other specialists further developed OMT principles, creating structured exercises to retrain oral muscles. Around the same time, speech-language pathologists and orthodontists started integrating OMT into their practices to address issues like tongue thrust, open bites, and improper swallowing patterns.
Over the past few decades, OMT has gained wider recognition in dentistry, orthodontics, and speech therapy. Modern research continues to explore its benefits in treating conditions such as sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and even posture-related issues. Today, OMT is an interdisciplinary approach used by professionals worldwide to improve oral function, breathing, and overall health.
Who Can Treat Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialist field of the Orofacial Complex requiring postgraduate training. In the UK, only the following regulated healthcare professionals are eligible to train and provide OMT within their scope of practice:
- Dental Care Professionals, including:
- Dental Hygienists and Therapists
- Dentists
- Dental Nurses (in an assisting role only)
- Speech and Language Therapists
These professionals have the necessary expertise in head and neck anatomy, neuromuscular function, and therapeutic intervention, qualifying them to provide clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).
Other Healthcare Professionals & Familiarisation Training
Other healthcare professionals may undertake familiarisation training in OMT to:
- Enhance multidisciplinary collaboration and referral pathways
- Provide patient education and support
However, OMD diagnosis and treatment planning remain within the scope of practice of qualified OMT practitioners (OMTP).
Professional Registration & Insurance Requirements
To practice Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, practitioners must:
- Maintain registration with their respective governing body (GDC or RCSLT)
- Hold valid medical malpractice insurance that explicitly covers OMT
Role of Dental Nurses in OMT
While Dental Nurses trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy may assist in therapy provision, they cannot:
- Conduct OMD diagnostics
- Develop treatment plans
OMD diagnosis and treatment planning are reserved for practitioners with the necessary training and regulatory scope of practice.
