Lack of Governing Body

Unlike professions such as dentistry or speech-language pathology, myofunctional therapy does not have a centralized governing body that regulates certification requirements. This means there is no official entity mandating specific qualifications to practice.

Scope of Practice

The ability to practice myofunctional therapy depends on the practitioner’s existing allied health license. Many professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, dental hygienists, and dentists, incorporate myofunctional therapy into their scope of practice without additional certification.

Certification Variability

There are multiple organizations offering certifications in myofunctional therapy, but these credentials are not universally recognized. Unlike board certifications in other healthcare fields, myofunctional therapy certifications vary in credibility and acceptance.

Experience Over Certification

For many professionals, hands-on experience and client results carry more weight than certification. Patients seeking myofunctional therapy are often more concerned with the effectiveness of treatment rather than whether a practitioner holds a specific certification.

Unregulated Profession

Myofunctional therapy is currently an unregulated profession, meaning there are no legal requirements for certification to practice. Practitioners can legally provide therapy as long as they operate within the scope of their existing professional license.

Value of Certification

While certification is not mandatory, it can be beneficial. Earning a certification may enhance credibility among colleagues and reassure clients of a practitioner’s commitment to professional education. However, it remains an optional step rather than a legal requirement.

Certification and Training Programs

For those interested in pursuing certification, several organizations offer structured training and credentialing in myofunctional therapy:

Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT)

The AOMT offers a certification process that includes an examination, case study submissions, mentorship hours, and observation of allied health providers.

International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM)

The IAOM provides the Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM) credential, considered the “gold standard” in the field. This involves completing specific coursework and passing a rigorous examination process.

Hallie Bulkin's Myo Method

Hallie Bulkin offers the Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT) certification through her program, which includes a course and ongoing mentorship opportunities.

Airway Health Solutions

While not offering a formal certification like COM or CMT, Airway Health Solutions provides a comprehensive training program with a Certificate of Completion. This includes extensive coursework and mentorship opportunities.

Airway Circle

Founded by Renata Nehme in 2021, Airway Circle is an online airway study club for healthcare professionals. They offer two main training programs:

• Myo Circle: An 8-week advanced training course in orofacial myofunctional therapy, covering assessment techniques and therapy sessions.
• Foundations of OMT: A foundational course covering oral ties, sleep-disordered breathing, and assessment protocols.

Although Airway Circle does not offer a formal certification, it provides mentorship and networking opportunities for professionals advancing in myofunctional therapy.

Conclusion

Although certification is not required to practice myofunctional therapy, structured training programs can provide valuable knowledge, mentorship, and credibility. Many professionals integrate myofunctional therapy into their existing practice without formal certification, relying on clinical experience and results.

For those who wish to pursue certification, organizations such as the IAOM, AOMT, and Hallie Bulkin’s Myo Method offer structured credentialing options. Meanwhile, training programs like Airway Health Solutions and Airway Circle provide valuable education without formal certification.

To explore pathways into this field, visit how to become a myofunctional therapist and learn about available training opportunities.