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ADVANCED COURSE

OMD: Extend The Connection

Advanced strategies for the licensed professional specializing in orofacial myofunctional disorders.

20 CONTACT HOURS or 2.0 ASHA CEUs

ASHA CE Approved Provider badge from International Association of Orofacial Myology

Advanced Level Available for 1.8 ASHA CEUs

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

Course Details

This is considered an "advanced course" with topics designed for complex cases.  For more on comprehensive introductory courses, check out Make the Connection .

Advanced

Course Level

Instructors

Mary Billings  MS,CCC-SLP, COM® headshot photo

Mary Billings MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Patricia Patty Fisher MA, SLP, COM headshot photo

Patricia Fisher MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

$1695.00

Cost

20 Contact Hours or 2.0 ASHA CEUs

Course completed over 3 days.

Duration

This seminar is open to the following professions:

  • Speech Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Medical Physicians
  • Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Dentists
  • Orthodontists
  • Others


Licenses will be reviewed.

Prerequisites

Agenda

2025

Course Locations & Registration

Pick a location to view details and register for the class!

West Chester, OH


September 4-6, 2025


Indiana Wesleyan University Cincinnati Education & Conference Center

9286 Schulze Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069


The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York

215 East 64th Street

voco | The Franklin an IHG Hotel

164 East 87th Street

Hilton Garden Inn

206 East 52nd Street

Hotel Information

Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn • Cincinnati West Chester

9306 Schulze Drive, West Chester, OH 45069

Courtyard by Marriott

6520 Mulhauser Road, West Chester , OH

Hampton Inn

9266 Schulze Drive West Chester, OH 45069 

Seminar Requirements


Registration for this course is only open to the following professions, with a current state license or its equivalent:

  • Speech Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Medical Physicians
  • Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Dentists
  • Orthodontists
  • Others


Licenses will be reviewed. All participants will be required to provide a copy of licensure prior to completion of registration.

Agenda

Day 1

8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-10:00 Systems Approach Analysis 1.5
10:00-10:15 - Break -
10:15-11:45 The Swallow Rests The Sytem 1.5
11:45-12:45 - Lunch -
12:45-2:45 Looking at the Body Osteopathically 2.0
2:45-3:00 - Break -
3:00-4:30 Principles of Propprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation 1.5
4:30-4:45 Wrap Up Q&A 0.25
4:45 - Dismissal -
Total 6.75

Day 2

8:00-8:30 Understanding the Impact of Primitive Reflexes 2.0
10:30-10:45 - Break -
10:45-12:00 Therapeutic Activities for Primitive Reflexes 1.25
12:00-1:00 - Lunch -
1:00-2:00 Ankyloglossia and the Swallow Behind It 1.0
2:00-3:00 Osteopathic Approaches to Tongue Tie 1.0
3:00-3:15 - Break -
3:15-4:30 Swallow/Speech Dysfunction: Rethinking Our Role 1.5
4:30 - Dismissal -
Total 6.75

Day 3

8:30-10:30 The Hidden OMD's Underlying Complex Cases 2.0
10:30-10:45 - Break -
10:45-12:00 The Osteopathic Connection in Complex Cases 1.25
12:00-1:00 - Lunch -
1:00-3:00 Complex Case Care Planning (Small Group) 2.0
3:00-3:15 - Break -
3:15-4:15 Complex Case Presentations/Discussion 1.0
4:14-4:30 Wrap Up Q&A 0.25
4:30 - Dismissal -
Total 6.5

Policies & Disclosures

Complaint Resolution Process


Should any FunctionFocus learner/user have any complaint or criticism of the process involved in purchasing a seminar or seminars, use of the website, quality of the seminar or examination, they may lodge a complaint directly to FunctionFocus Academy by:



  1. Sending an email at any time in their participant experience, describing the nature of the problem/criticism
  2. Describe the problem difficulty, criticism in the evaluation or seminar content summary completed at the end of the seminar 


A response will ensue with 7 days of receipt in which the user will be communicated with fairly, emphasizing a high priority to customer satisfaction and provided correction if needed.

Special Needs Accommodations


Registrants with special needs are encouraged to contact registrar directly so that appropriate accommodations can be provided in a timely manner. To make requests:



1. Contact registrar to request accommodations

2. Review guidelines related to presentation and access

3. Detail specific accommodations requested

Cancellation Refund Policy

Any cancellation 10 days prior to first day of seminar will result in return fee of $50, which covers the cost of course materials and supplies. Merchant charges will apply. 

 

Between 0-10 days prior to first day of seminar period, funds may be credited towards a future FunctionFocus products with special arraignments at the discretion of instructors.

Instructor Financial Disclosures

Mary Billings, MS,CCC

Owner - Billings Speech Pathology Services, LLC

Receives compensation from FunctionFocus Academy as a seminar instructor

Patricia Fisher, MA,CCC

Receives compensation from FunctionFocus Academy as a seminar instructor

Non-Financial Disclosures

Mary Billings, MS,CCC

Oral Motor Institute - Board of Directors

 

Patricia Fisher, MA,CCC

No relevant non-financial disclosure

Questions About Extend the Connection Seminar

  • Do you offer this seminar online?

    We made the decision, after a great deal of thought, product research, and investigation that our seminars will remain face-to-face. It would be a disservice to seminar participants to only use an online platform as our seminars are very hands-on and collaborative with participants working directly with and examining other participants. Lecture and video links do not offer the same degree of clinical skill application. 

  • Why are these seminars only open to limited professionals?

    Diagnosis and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders is not a profession but a designated scope of practice for licensed professionals. Primary education (post-secondary and graduate) and clinical practice background is a requirement.

  • Do I receive continuing education hours?

    An award of participation will be given at the end of this event. We are currently working on ASHA and AGD hours.

The Field of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that is becoming more mainstream. It is based on the idea that the way we use our muscles can impact our overall health. The goal of myofunctional therapy is to retrain the muscles in the mouth and face so that they are used correctly. This can help improve overall health and address specific issues such as sleep apnea, tongue-tie, mouth breathing-related disorders, and teeth grinding. Orofacial Myologists or Myofunctional Therapists use a variety of techniques, including exercises, massages, and electrical stimulation. There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy, and more and more people are turning to this treatment option.