Why the OMI?

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Oral sensory-motor treatments have been under attack since 2007, despite the evidence that supports them. Attempts have been made by some researchers in the field of speech-language-hearing science to reduce the definition of oral motor treatment to "non-speech oral-motor exercises." Those of us who have been active in teaching and writing about the methods of oral sensory and motor evaluation and treatment are eager to see the integrity of oral motor treatment maintained.

​The OMI Board of Directors is poised to meet this challenge by studying the evidence on the many aspects of oral motor treatment (e.g., feeding, motor speech, orofacial myofunctional, oral awareness and discrimination, pre-feeding etc.). We have made many gains through advocacy, publications, presentations, podcasts and literature reviews. We have paired this organization with many professionals including but not limited to occupational and physical therapists, dentists, otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, lactation consultants, and physicians, Certified Orofacial Myologists®, dental hygienists and physical therapists to gather evidence-based practices and clinical data to respect the “do no harm” oath to all patients and their families. We will continue, through the Board of Directors, our chair and our affiliates to gather evidence and data and advocate for continued research and clinical applications of all areas of oral motor and orofacial myofunctional therapies.

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Online Scientific Papers

​The OMI originally set forth to publish professional papers online and free to all visitors to the website. The adopted format for articles published in the OMI is the "monograph." A monograph is an expository essay on one subject or aspect of it. A printable version of all monographs will be available for readers who wish to compile them into a file of their own. Posting monographs online instead of publishing them in journal format allows monographs of any length to be printed at no cost to the OMI. Online posting also allows researchers access to the monographs without hunting for obscure journals. Monographs use the APA format and follow ASHA's EBP guidelines: The goal of EBP is the integration of: (a) clinical expertise, (b) best current evidence, and (c) client values to provide high-quality services reflecting the interests, values, needs, and choices of the individuals we serve" (www.asha.org). View the full list of monographs here.

​Currently the OMI shares science through free and easily accessible research compendiums and link to education, found on our education page.

 OMI Mission Statement

The Oral Motor Institute’s Mission is to support the specialty of oral -motor based therapy approaches that enhance the development of the orofacial complex and the functions of respiration, sleep, feeding, swallowing and speech.

The OMI

• Educates the multi-disciplinary team that assesses and treats oral motor dysfunction throughout the lifespan.
• Advocates for an increased scientific understanding of oral motor assessment and treatment.
• Supports the integrity of oral motor sciences by providing access to research.
• Endorses public safety through assessment and treatment of oral motor disorders within licensure guidelines and professional scope of practice.

Vision:

The OMIs’ vision is to inspire others to accept, embrace, respect, and advocate for the existing and evolving evidence-based practices, which supports the validity of oral motor assessment and therapy.

Board Membership

​Board membership in the OMI is by invitation only and is extended to persons who have been actively involved in teaching and/or writing about oral sensory and motor techniques for speech and feeding. Board membership responsibilities include contributing to research in oral motor sciences through writing and teaching, advocating for education and ethics in oral motor sciences and recruiting membership to the OMI.

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Funding

​The Oral Motor Institute is a non-profit organization which accepts donations. Plans for the future include low membership dues, continuing education and a variety of free services to our membership