In today’s world of healthcare collaboration, SLPs trained in myofunctional therapy are becoming essential partners in the orthodontic, ENT, and pediatric dental communities. Providers across disciplines are beginning to realize that structure without function doesn’t always lead to long-term success—especially when it comes to the muscles and patterns that influence the face, mouth, jaw, and airway.

So what’s causing this shift? It’s simple: the work we do as myofunctional SLPs fills in a crucial missing piece.

Before orthodontic treatment can be effective and stable, certain foundational elements must be addressed. These include nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and elimination of oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrust. Orthos are finding that when these issues go unaddressed, treatment takes longer, results are less predictable, and relapse is more likely.

Here’s how SLPs with myofunctional expertise make an impact:

Correcting mouth breathing: When a client breathes through the mouth instead of the nose, it affects jaw growth, palate width, and even facial development. Myofunctional therapy can retrain breathing patterns and improve overall oral rest posture.

Managing tongue thrust: Whether during speech or swallowing, a forward tongue posture can push teeth out of alignment. Left untreated, this habit often undermines orthodontic progress.

Building awareness of oral function: Many children don’t realize they rest their tongue low in the mouth, breathe through their mouth, or have poor lip seal. Myo-trained SLPs help increase awareness and offer targeted interventions.

The result?
​Orthodontic cases that are smoother, faster, and more stable. Pediatric dentists and ENTs are also jumping on board because they see how interconnected function is with airway development, sleep, and overall oral health.

To capitalize on this trend, SLPs should consider:

Networking with providers in your area. Drop off an info packet, offer to present at their staff meeting, or just schedule a coffee chat.

Having a one-pager ready to explain what you do, who you help, and what outcomes they can expect when they refer.

Using shared clients as a bridge. Offer to collaborate on treatment planning or provide updates on shared patients.

You don’t need to be pushy. You just need to be confident in the value you bring. Medical and dental professionals want collaborators who care about long-term outcomes—and that’s exactly what you’re offering.

​Simon Says Speech offers email templates, provider handouts, and training modules to help you present yourself as a confident myofunctional therapist. Join our community to learn how to build meaningful referral partnerships that grow your practice.