Orofacial Recovery Specialist Level 1

Rebecka Clark educates registered dental hygienists on a comprehensive orofacial recovery approach, integrating therapy techniques for optimal results.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Elevate your expertise with "Orofacial Recovery Specialist Level 1," a comprehensive 16-hour course designed for professionals in the field of orofacial health and rehabilitation. This program provides an in-depth exploration of the anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology of the head, face, and neck, with a specific focus on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its related structures.

Key topics include the functional dynamics of the TMJ, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, as well as the crucial roles of the cervical spine, hyoid bone, and tongue. Gain hands-on knowledge of how imbalances in these areas contribute to dysfunction and practical strategies for addressing them. The course also emphasizes the connections between myofascial meridians, tongue posture, and overall body alignment, offering actionable insights into orofacial stability.

Specialized modules cover trigger point therapy to alleviate pain and improve function, troubleshooting techniques for challenging cases, and targeted approaches for Bell’s palsy rehabilitation. You’ll learn to assess and enhance facial muscle movement, optimize posture, and develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Each lecture includes dynamic video content, featuring detailed demonstrations of hands-on techniques such as intraoral manual therapy, myofunctional exercises, and trigger point release. By integrating theory, clinical application, and troubleshooting tools, you’ll leave equipped to face real-world challenges and achieve measurable outcomes in TMJ and orofacial rehabilitation.

This course is essential for practitioners looking to expand their skill set and deliver advanced care in orofacial recovery. Take the first step toward becoming a trusted specialist in this growing field.

OBJECTIVES

Lecture 1 (2 hours): Anatomy and Physiology of the TMJ

(Part 1): Visual breakdown of TMJ structures and their functions.
(Part 2): Physiological processes of jaw movement and stability.

1. Identify anatomical structures of the temporomandibular joint, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
2. Explain the physiological processes that allow for jaw function and movement.
3. Illustrate the interdependence of head, face, and neck anatomy in TMJ stability.
4. Discuss common anatomical variations contributing to TMJ dysfunction.

Lecture 2 (2 hours): Kinesiology of the TMJ and Orofacial Region

(Part 1): TMJ motion and jaw biomechanics.
(Part 2): Muscle coordination and movement analysis.

1. Identify primary movements of the TMJ and their associated muscle groups.
2. Explain the biomechanics of jaw, neck, and facial movements.
3. Analyze muscle coordination and its importance in TMJ function.
4. Apply kinesiology principles to identify TMJ movement dysfunctions.

Lecture 3 (2 hours): Hyoid Bone, Cervical Spine, and Tongue Dynamics

(Part 1): Anatomy of the hyoid bone and tongue muscles.
(Part 2): Hyoid-cervical spine connections and impact on function.

1. Recognize anatomical structures of the hyoid bone and its relationship with the cervical spine.
2. Explain how the hyoid bone interacts with the nine muscles of the tongue.
3. Discuss the cervical spine's influence on tongue dysfunction and TMJ.
4. Apply assessments to address dysfunctions linked to hyoid and cervical spine interactions.

Lecture 4 (2 hours): Myofascial Meridians and Tongue Movement

(Part 1): Myofascial meridians affecting tongue posture.
(Part 2): Techniques for improving alignment and function.

1. Identify key myofascial meridians related to tongue and orofacial posture.
2. Describe how these meridians affect the head, neck, and tongue alignment.
3. Examine imbalances in myofascial meridians and their impact on TMJ.
4. Apply strategies for restoring function through myofascial release concepts.

Lecture 5 (1 hours): Posture and Orofacial Health

(Part 1): Structural alignment and postural assessment techniques.
(Part 2): Practical methods for improving posture.

1. Recognize relationships between posture, cervical alignment, tongue position, and TMJ health.
2. Explain how poor posture exacerbates orofacial dysfunctions.
3. Evaluate postural factors that contribute to TMJ and myofascial issues.
4. Apply corrective methods to promote posture improvements for better function.

Lecture 6 (2 hours): Facial Muscle Movement and Bell’s Palsy Rehabilitation

(Part 1): Analysis of facial muscular anatomy and movement.
(Part 2): Bell's palsy rehabilitation techniques.

1. Identify key facial muscles and their roles in movement and expression.
2. Explain the functional impact of Bell’s palsy on facial muscles and TMJ stability.
3. Analyze strategies for improving facial muscle control in Bell's palsy patients.
4. Demonstrate treatments that restore muscular involvement and symmetry.

Lecture 7 (2 hours): Trigger Point Therapy and Troubleshooting

 (Part 1): Identification of trigger points affecting the TMJ.
 (Part 2): Techniques for release and troubleshooting common issues.

1. Identify trigger points within the head, neck, and jaw regions that contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
2. Explain how trigger points impact muscle dynamics and joint function.
3. Apply hands-on techniques for releasing trigger points and alleviating pain.
4. Evaluate patient responses to therapy and troubleshoot issues for optimal outcomes.

Lecture 8 (2 hours): Treatment Planning and Myofunctional Therapy Techniques

(Part 1): Step-by-step patient evaluation and planning.
(Part 2): Implementation of myofunctional therapy exercises.

1. Demonstrate key intraoral myofunctional therapy techniques for TMJ recovery.
2. Develop customized treatment plans to support patient recovery goals.
3. Integrate trigger point therapy, myofascial techniques, and postural improvements.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and make necessary adjustment