If you’re a dental hygienist who’s feeling stuck, uninspired, or simply done with the daily grind, you’re not alone. Many hygienists are looking for a way out—but few know the clear path forward. That’s where myofunctional therapy and the Ditch Hygiene Academy™ come in.

In a recent episode of the Myo Life Podcast, I shared the three most important decisions every new myofunctional therapist must make to go from dabbling to building a thriving, profitable business. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re the non-negotiables that can transform your mindset and your calendar.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been spinning your wheels, this post will walk you through exactly what you need to do to start seeing momentum.

 

1. Commit to the Process (Even When It’s Slow)

One of the biggest myths in the entrepreneurial world is “if you build it, they will come.” Spoiler alert: they won’t—unless you commit to showing up consistently.

Simply completing your training and putting “myofunctional therapist” in your Instagram bio won’t guarantee a client roster. Most businesses take 2–3 years to turn a profit, and more than half don’t survive past year ten. That’s not to discourage you—it’s to empower you with realistic expectations.

“There is no half-assing your way into a thriving business. So decide right now if you’re committed or if you’re just interested.” – Carmen Woodland

Being interested means you’ll treat your business like a hobby. Being committed means you’re all in—and that makes all the difference.

 

2. Schedule Your Two-Hour Power Block

If you only take one action from this blog post, let it be this: block out two hours every single day to work on your business. I call this your power block—and it’s a game changer.

This is not time for busywork. No Canva tinkering. No inbox zero.

  • Your power block should be dedicated to revenue-generating activities like:
  • Creating educational content that attracts clients
  • Following up with leads
  • Mapping your client journey
  • Building referral relationships
  • Planning outreach or local marketing

The truth? You’ll never “find time.” You have to make time—and protect it with strong boundaries. Even if your life feels full right now, this small window of daily discipline will lead to measurable business growth.

 

3. Check Your Money Mindset

New myofunctional therapists often feel awkward charging real rates—especially if they’ve spent years in clinical hygiene, where time equals pay. But here’s the truth: your pricing should reflect your value, not your fears.

One of the biggest mistakes new therapists make is basing their fees on what competitors charge. But you don’t know their financial goals, business overhead, or mindset blocks.

Instead, I encourage pricing based on value, transformation, and your unique expertise. When you’re confident in your worth, the right clients will feel that energy—and invest.

“If you hesitate, second guess, or feel guilty about charging what you’re worth, that energy transfers directly to your clients.”

Need help unlearning old money patterns? I recommend starting with these two books:

 

Your Next Steps as a Myofunctional Therapist

If you’re building your business from the ground up, your calendar and your mindset are your two most important tools. As you move forward, remember these three critical decisions:

  • Commit to the process and stay consistent, even when you’re not seeing immediate results.
  • Schedule your two-hour daily power block and treat it like a client appointment.
  • Check your money mindset and charge based on value—not fear or comparison. 

🥂,

Carmen

 

P.S. Are you tired of building someone else’s dreams?

Take the Next Step in Your Myofunctional Therapy Business

📌 Learn more about Free Assessments That Convert

📌 Check out the Myofunctional Therapy and Business Training Courses

📌 Check out the Ditch Hygiene Academy™

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've taken another course?

If you've taken another course and don't feel prepared to dip your toes in, then we recommend that you invest in another course.  We've got many students who've taken multiple courses and found that our course and leadership were the bomb-diggidy that finally made things click!

Will this course give me business training too?

The Ditch Hygiene Program was designed to give you the myofunctional therapy foundation as well as learn how to start / run your business.  Throughout the entire course, you learn exactly what Carmen did to build a multi 6-figure business (soon to be 7 figure business).  Plus, you will also have several interviews and business case studies from other therapists about their own business journey.

What sets this program apart from others?

What makes the Ditch Hygiene Academy different?

The leadership of Carmen.  She empowers, educates, and encourages you along the way...while helping you become a myofunctional problem solver.  The Ditch Hygiene Academy doesn't just lure you in and leave you.  Our program leads you.  The testimony speaks volumes.

Carmen never tops mentoring and coaching you.  Your success is her success.  This is a high-touch premium level program.  There is only room for go-getters!  Carmen shows you the path and teaches you to believe in yourself, your process, and the possibilities of what life can bring!!

This program is absolutely the only one of it's kind that offers practical application for both therapy and business.  You work alongside other ambitious women who are exactly where you are...at the beginning!  Carmen is there every step of the way, from mock clients, practice clients to a real life apprenticeship!

How long can I access the material?

Your teaching cohort will be 24 weeks long, and longer if you choose to uplevel for stage 4 or 5 training.  You will have access to all materials for that length+ an additional 30 days to tie up loose ends.  If you enroll as a gold level member, you get access for the lifetime of the course! All information will be located inside your course agreement when you enroll.

Who can take the course?

Dental hygienists. We ask for proof of your credentials before finalizing your enrollment.

Do I have to get "certified"?

While there is an option in some programs to get a "certificate", it is not necessary, nor does the training guarantee your success.  Currently, myofunctional therapy is written (by the ADHA) into the scope of practice.  This means you need to get the myofunctional education, but it doesn't mean you have to pay the high expense of a "certification" program.  If you see the need for this certification, then you should seek out those programs and compare expenses to do so.  Our program has had a successful mix of those who wanted to do both.  Let's face it...you will get your education from many sources...myofunctional therapy education is not a "one and done" type of learning sequence! The Ditch Hygiene Academy is not a "certification" program and does not endorse or recommend any program.

Training does not = competency.  Keep that in mind.  It takes experience to have competency!

How will I reach people?

You learn many different tactics in the program.  There are primarily three different ways that clients were introduced to us.  1) Hygiene patient 2) Found via a search 3 ) Referred to us

You also learn about our story and how we were able to build a team and teach people.  Networking and marketing strategy is part of the step-by-step roadmap provided for you by this program.  

What if I don't like the program?

We are pretty serious about our passion to help only the serious folks.  Since this is a digital course, we do not offer a refund because you get immediate access to the material.  Please make sure you have thought your decision through before registering!  Because once you do...she is yours!!  Want to take a sneek peek?  Here is a peek at lesson 1, 5 and 8.