The reason that there are quotes placed around the word “certification” is because there is no governing body like a dental board that oversees the certification process and requirements.  Much like dental hygiene school where schools have to teach certain topics to have accreditation.  That isn’t the case with orofacial myofunctional therapy.  Not saying that these training programs don’t offer value, I’m just saying that there isn’t a governing board, or at least not at this time.

The field of orofacial myofunctional therapy is, at the time of this writing, an unregulated profession.  There is not a governing board or a license and there is no true distinction for what an OMT is (if you Google OMT, you will learn about Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment).  It is recognized in the scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, speech language pathologists and dentists.  There are some other specialties that practice orofacial myofunctional therapy such as physical therapists and some occupational therapists, but mostly you will see it as a specialty service of dental hygienists and speech language pathologists.

Since one organization has trademarked the term “certified” you have to pay to use it.  If you haven’t paid the fees (kinda like owning a Burger King) then you can be sued for trademark infringement.

You don’t want to do that!

Today more and more programs are beginning to offer their own version of “how to become a certified orofacial myofunctional therapist” and they are using terms such as competent or qualified.

When I was just starting out I hired an attorney who had been a dental hygienist and then went into law–dental regulation–in fact.  When she looked into this whole debacle, she found that it wasn’t something that I needed.

If you’re wondering if becoming a certified myofunctional therapist will matter to your clients, the answer is no.  They don’t care.  I have had exactly 1 person ask me about my background, and she still did therapy with me.

Can I tell a little story?

I had a 5 year vision to ditch dental hygiene because I was bored and burned out. 

I did not get my training from myofunctional therapy certification courses, I took it from someone else who also wasn’y “certified”. My training was so-so, but it was enough to get me started.  I took the bull by the horns and I did the work and figured things out.

I started my business immediately after taking my training in 2017.  I earned $25,165 in 7 months.  Not bad for a beginner.

In 2018 I hit 6 figures and cut back to part time. (It took me 14 months from the 1st client)

In 2019 I hit multi 6 figures and retired from dental hygiene. (13 months after going part time)

Not too shabby eh?  My 5 year plan worked out in 2.

I think it’s safe to say that you don’t need myofunctional therapy certification courses to be an excellent myofunctional therapist!

By the way, myofunctional therapy certification courses don’t equate to clients, success or money in your pocket.  Experience will do that for you!

Now, if after all that, you’re convinced that you don’t need myofunctional therapy certification courses, then might I do a shameless plug to tell you that you might be an ideal human to meet me inside of the Ditch Hygiene Academy!  This myofunctional therapy training course is the most comprehensive one available and it’s meant to give you the foundation you need to ditch dental hygiene!

Inside the academy you will experience an extremely comprehensive program, taught over 24- 40 weeks that walks you through foundational myofunctional therapy education, practical applications and practice management systems. 

You won’t find a more comprehensive program that teaches exactly what I’ve done to grow a profitable myofunctional therapy practice and retire from dental hygiene.  Make sure you’re on the waitlist today!