Breathing, chewing, and cranial growth: unlocking stability through airway and oral myo-functional awareness

This in-person lecture, led by Melissa Mugno, will highlight the critical connections between breathing, chewing, oral function, and cranial growth. Attendees will gain insight into how soft tissue dysfunction, or Oral Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs), impacts dentition and overall stability. The session will provide practical tools to screen for OMDs, address dysfunctional breathing patterns, and incorporate airway-focused care into their dental practices.

Emphasizing efficiency, this lecture will introduce streamlined screening processes using myofunctional appliances, including the AIR approach, to help practitioners effectively identify and manage OMDs. Taught in a clear and digestible manner, the session will provide step-by-step methods to enhance screenings, improve case identification, and optimize patient outcomes. By integrating these strategies, dental professionals can expand patient care, increase engagement, and support long-term practice growth.

Melissa Mugno is a leader in orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) and airway health, bringing 17 years of experience in dentistry. Her career spans roles as a dental assistant, hygienist, and director, with a strong foundation in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.