How does a dental hygienist become a myofunctional therapist?
I love the opportunity to talk about how a dental hygienist becomes a myofunctional therapist because so many of you have no idea where to start and the industry truly needs all hands on deck!
Sadly, learning about myofunctional therapy and orofacial myofunctional disorders is not the mainstream dental hygiene education that most of you receive in hygiene school. Especially if you went to school a long time ago. I say sadly because your patients will benefit immediately when you get educated about myofunctional therapy. In fact, I’m almost embarrassed when I consider the number of patients that I saw over the years that could have had life-changing results with the tools that I now teach all over the world. I’m mortified about my “c’est la vie” attitude when I had mouth breathing, gagging, snoring, overweight, and exhausted patients.
But don’t you worry your pretty little face! Carmen to the rescue! I won’t rest until every single hygienist that I can get my hands on knows about myofunctional therapy. Yes, my business has changed my life. But more important than that, is the number of lives that I’ve changed and that I will change as my global practice helps so many people with myofunctional impairments who just want to “get better”.
Here are some of the questions that I answer on a regular basis!
Is it hard for a dental hygienist to become a myofunctional therapist?
Many hygienists who reach out to me have zero idea that it’s part of the scope of practice, per the ADHA. This is excellent news for you. Sure, you have to gain the knowledge, but you don’t have to embrace some craziness like going back to school.
How does a dental hygienist get the myofunctional therapist education?
You can do this through a number of different measures. There are some organizations that offer a 4-day introductory course, and others, like my program that offer a digital delivery, go at your own pace type of program. Really, it depends on how you learn best. If you don’t mind drinking from a firehose, you might do fine with a 4-day course, but most people like to engage in micro-learning, which means a smaller delivery of material might be just what you need.
Do I have to get “certified”?
The down and dirty answer is no you don’t. Many dental hygienists believe that to become a myofunctional therapist you have to be “certified“, but that is because those who are “certified” talk about it ad nauseum, and sometimes they pass along the impression that it’s the only way and it’s required. It’s up to you whether you find value in this. There is no governing agency, similar to the dental board, to oversee this, and more and more “certification” programs are popping up. You have to decide what you value, but just know it’s not a requirement, and there could be more hoops to jump through and fees to pay…than what you bargained for! So just be prudent and don’t take everything at face value. Do your research!
Is there a way to get the skills without paying the expenses of travel and taking time off work?
Absolutely. I’m so glad you asked. That’s part of the reason I created the Ditch Hygiene Academy! I took my expertise and combined it with my MBA (Masters in business) to create the program. What I love about the program is that you can do it from home at your own pace. Honestly, many of my students blast through the program, but the option to go slow is there if that’s something that fits your lifestyle or schedule.
Do I have to start a business?
Ahhh, this is an excellent question. The short answer is no. But the long answer is…why not? Why would you want to continue to build someone else’s dream and financial security? I totally get it that many of you want to keep doing hygiene and work in a dental office, which is fine. But my superpower is to help women empower themselves by building their own thing to grow and scale so that you’re not dependent upon your j-o-b.
Here’s what I encourage students who take my course to do…think this through! You might be afraid to start your business, but if you’ve watched my recent videos introducing you to Kelsey, Stephanie, Lacey and Hali you will feel so inspired! You can do it. Kelsey had her first paying client just 16 weeks after starting the program. I nurture you, plus you have the support of all the cool cats inside the Ditcher Lounge!
How do I get started?
The Ditch Hygiene Academy launches a few times per year so that you can learn alongside your small, intimate cohort of other amazing students! The next launch date can be found on our program page. If you haven’t already joined the waitlist then get that done! When the launch period starts up you will start getting some super important emails about how and when to enroll. In the meantime, you should book a call with me to discuss any questions you have and to learn more about my journey into myofunctional therapy.
