Intro to Myofunctional Therapy & Airway Dentistry
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 am–1:00 pm ET
Start time by time zone: 12:30 pm NT, 12:00 pm AT, 11:00 am ET, 10:00 am CT, 9:00 am MT, 8:00 am PT
Summary
The virtual platform will be Zoom. Be sure to download the Zoom app before joining the
session.
During this presentation, dental hygienists will be introduced to orofacial myofunctional therapy. This innovative therapy focusses on correcting improper muscle function and swallowing patterns which can contribute to various dental and orofacial issues such as malocclusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and obstructive sleep apnea. Dental hygienists will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between oral function and overall health in relation to orofacial myofunctional therapy. This proactive approach not only improves oral function but also supports long-term dental health and overall well-being, reinforcing the role of dental hygienists as integral members of the healthcare team.
Additionally, the presentation aims to empower dental hygienists to become airway advocates as they are often the first to notice issues with mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, and improper function and coordination of the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat.
Access Information
The virtual platform will be Zoom. Download the Zoom app before joining the session on a computer or mobile device.
If joining from a Windows or macOS desktop computer, Zoom offers closed captioning and translated
captions in real time.
You must have the latest version of Zoom, and a variety of languages are supported.
You will receive a link directly from Zoom via email a couple of days before the event.
Click on the Zoom link to watch the presentation.
Presenter
Seema Virji, BSc, Dip. DH, RDH, COM®
Seema Virji graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science, specializing in dental hygiene. She has a local anesthetic certification from the University of Alberta and dental hygiene prescriber rights. Seema owns and operates one of Edmonton's and Canada's first independent orofacial myofunctional therapy clinics run by a dental hygienist, dedicated solely to treating myofunctional disorders. Seema is a certified orofacial myologist with the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and is the fifth registered dental hygienist to certify in Canada. Seema has held many positions within the IAOM including vice president, and currently co-chairs the IAOM’s mentoring committee while serving on its board of directors.
Learning Outcomes
After the presentation, participants will be able to:
- Define a myofunctional disorder
- Identify causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders
- Assess airway in relation to dentistry and myofunctional therapy
- Define and assess for mouth breathing