Are you struggling with oral motor evaluations? Do you find yourself unsure about the key aspects to assess when describing the form and function of the oral musculature?
Many clinicians do not graduate with a fully developed skill set for identifying, evaluating, and treating oral motor dysfunction. However, as professionals, it is essential to refine and optimize these skills. The reality is that oral motor dysfunction is becoming increasingly common in a culture that prioritizes fast food, squeeze pouches, and avoids giving children foods that require adequate chewing—activities that are crucial for developing jaw and palate formation, as well as overall oral motor skills.
The Importance of the Jaw in Oral Motor Function
The jaw serves as the foundation of a strong oral motor system and plays a crucial role in speech, chewing, and swallowing efficiency. When evaluating the jaw, consider the following:
- Jaw Size: Is it adequate? Is it too small, narrow, too far forward, or retracted?
- Jaw-Tongue Dissociation: Is the jaw performing tasks that the tongue should be managing independently?
- Chewing Patterns: Is diagonal and/or rotary chewing present? If not, is it emerging?
- Jaw-Lip Independence: Does the jaw function separately from the lips?
- Jaw-Tongue Independence: Does the jaw function separately from the tongue?
- Impact on Function: Are any functional aspects affected? Be specific in your description.
Comprehensive Assessment
A thorough evaluation should go beyond the jaw and include an analysis of the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Facial symmetry
- Shape of the head
Take Your Clinical Skills to the Next Level
The demand for clinicians trained in evaluating and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders is growing. There are not enough specialists to meet the increasing need. Instead of questioning whether the time is right, ask yourself: If not me, then who?
Now is the time to build your confidence, refine your skills, and take the next step in your professional development. We believe in you—go for it!
