Presented by: The Institute for Craniofacial Sleep Medicine and NHS
Myofunctional Therapy
Course Code: 180 Occlusion
When you attend this course, you will receive the Myo Manual, Myo Lip Meter and access to downloadable forms and brochures. After completing this course, you are entered into the process to become a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM)
Course Instructors
Sandra R. Holtzman MS, CCC-SLP, COM, QOM
Sandra is owner and director of Neo-Health Services, Inc. and author of the Myo Manual Treatment Program and several oral habit programs. She has specialized in Orofacial Myology for most of her career. While directing a large multi-disciplinary therapy center, she developed her treatment program and began training local dentists and speech pathologists. This was followed by training professionals from all parts of the world wishing to become “Neo-Health Grads.” She has held positions at three universities and has developed several online courses in addition to her widely attended on-site classes. Sandra co-chairs the QOM Committee for Qualification in Orofacial Myology. She is a consultant and mentor for training course “grads” and is devoted to maintaining and promoting high standards and ethics within the specialty area of orofacial myology.
Karen Wuertz, DDS, QOM
Dr. Wuertz is the Dental Representative to the Neo-Health Services Team. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1992 from UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. She currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Dental Public Health at the UT Health Science Center, School of Dentistry in Houston. Her additional training includes TMD, Sleep Medicine, Orofacial Myology and Laser Surgery with special interest in correcting Tethered Oral Tissues. Dr. Wuertz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Laser Surgery (ABLS) and the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine (ABCDSM). Passionate about teaching, she has served Creighton University, UNC Chapel Hill and her Alma Mater UT Dental School in San Antonio. Dr. Wuertz has published numerous articles on Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry, Biomaterials, Dental Lasers, Sleep Medicine and OMDs.
Becky Ellsworth, RDH, BS, COM, QOM
Becky joined the Neo-Health Services instructional team in 2013. She has been an RDH for over 30 years, has worked in private dental practices, and provides orofacial myology services at Kalamazoo Speech Associates. Becky is also an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she helped establish an orofacial myology course built into the dental hygiene curriculum. It is one of the only college level courses approved by Neo-Health Services to enter their students into the Qualification process. Becky serves on the QOM committee and assists in establishing the guidelines and organization of the QOM credential procedures.
Zohara Nguyen, CCC-SLP, CPSP, QOM
Zohara studied speech pathology at the University of Sydney, Australia and worked in private practice before moving to the US, where she harnessed her passion for orofacial myology. Zohara has worn many hats as a member of the Neo-Health Services Team, including marketing manager for the oral habits social media page, course facilitator and symposium presenter. She co-chairs the QOM Committee for Qualification in Orofacial Myology. She is a standing member of both ASHA and Speech Pathology Australia.
Jamesa Treadwell, BSDH, RDH, BBE, COM, QOM
Jamesa has been an RDH for 28 years after graduating from Northern Arizona University. She has practiced in Arizona and currently works and resides in Washington State. In 2016, Jamesa became interested in Orofacial Myology and began her training. She later studied under Patrick McKeown and became a Buteyko Breathing Educator. In 2019, Jamesa became a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM) with Neo-Health Services (NHS). She is owner of Pacific Myo in Washington State where she treats clients for orofacial myological disorders. She also continues her work in clinical dental hygiene. Because of her extensive training and presentation skills, Jamesa was invited to join the Neo-Health Services team of instructors.
Course Objectives
Utilize the Myo Manual Treatment Program for oral myofunctional therapy, “tongue thrust” and other symptoms and disorders.
Provide clients a method to eliminate thumb and finger sucking habits, nail biting, and other negative oral habits.
Explain the connections upon one another of airway, oral habits, imprecise articulation, malocclusion, tongue-tie, poor eating skills, mouth breathing, sleep disorders, self- esteem, and other findings.
Explain the importance of the Oral Preparatory Phase of Swallow and be able to break it down into its various components.
Evaluate and diagnose tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and other oral tissues, and provide appropriate treatment.
Administer a thorough orofacial myology evaluation/ assessment.
Describe the four main barriers that interfere with successful treatment of myofunctional and speech habituation.
