Connect with like-minded professionals and cultivate meaningful relationships
IAOM offers educational avenues via courses and an annual convention, enabling members to remain abreast of the latest advancements in Orofacial Myology.
Membership Eligibility
IAOM active membership is available to healthcare professionals who have a background as: Dentist (DDS/DMD), Physician (MD/DO), Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Dental Therapist (DT), Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT).
Connect with like-minded professionals and cultivate meaningful relationships. Enjoy exclusive benefits with your membership, such as our informative newsletter, IJOM access, and convention rate discount.
Membership
Membership cycle is from March 1- February. Dues $225
Certified Orofacial Myologist® (COM®)
Certification Eligibility and Enrollment
The COM® holds merit as allied health professionals and parents recognize the rigorous work, education, time, and dedication that goes into earning and becoming a Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®).
The IAOM is the founding organization that has established a true certification process in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. The COM® has been referred to as the “gold standard.” This is due to our third party process of testing and examination process, which is much like our education vs our licensure.
The IAOM believes so deeply in the certification process, we have a registered trademark on the COM® credential, thanks to past President Kristie Gatto MA, CCC-SLP, COM®.
The COM® is considered the highest level of achievement in the field of myofunctional therapy.
We are proud of all of our members and COM’s and invite you to join our esteemed organization!
Becoming Certified
Steps to become a COM®
Certified Orofacial Myologist®
- Join IAOM as an Active member
$250.00 – membership starts the date you join for one-year
- Complete a 28-hour orofacial myofunctional therapy course
This must be from one course resulting in a minimum of 28 hours and not several courses total in 28 hours. You must provide your course completion certificate or course verification with the enrollment of the certification application.
- Begin implementation in a clinical setting
Begin implementing what you have learned by developing a caseload! You will need experience in the assessment and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders prior to starting the certification process. It is required for you to have worked with a minimum of two patients, ages four years or older, who have completed the entire program.
- Apply to enroll in the COM® certification
Complete the Certification Application and provide education verification and completion of your 28-hour orofacial myofunctional therapy course. Once received and approved, you will be invoiced the $250.00 certification enrollment fee
Your Active membership dues must be current prior to certification enrollment. The Certification enrollment fee is separate from your membership dues.
- Complete the written proficiency examination
Upon enrollment into the IAOM Certification Track, you will be provided with a competency checklist of subject areas you will be tested upon. Your examination will be emailed through a separate link through the secure testing portal. You have three-months to complete the proficiency examination which consists of 140 multiple choice questions. Once you click to activate your exam, you have a continuous 8-hour clock to complete and submit your examination. The written proficiency examination must be passed with an 80% or higher. Should you fall below the 80% passing, you may apply for a re-take for an additional $250.00.
*Note: Per your certification application, please be reminded that this exam is for your test taking purposes only and any form of photography, copying and exam sharing is strictly prohibited. Doing so, may result in being removed from the certification program and as a member from the IAOM.
- Onsite evaluation in front of two IAOM appointed Board Certified Orofacial Myologist
Certification track candidates have one year from the time notified of passing the written proficiency examination to complete the onsite evaluation and documentation required. A set schedule will be provided of available testing dates and times. All onsite evaluations will be performed, recorded, and provided by the organization through the Secure Video platform. International candidates, due to the vast time difference, will record their onsite evaluation in accordance with the criteria for the three required appointments, grade sheet and onsite documentation provided. Onsite evaluations are $850.00 in which you will be invoiced prior to your scheduled onsite date.
The onsite application will consist of:
- Submission of a completed case study
- Note: Your case study must be of a patient 4-years of age or older
- Complete four (4) IAOM Mentoring Committee meetings either in-person or accessed through our recordings.
- Onsite application documents
- Due 1 week prior to your scheduled onsite
- Become a Certified Orofacial Myologist® (COM®)- Once you become a COM®, it’s required that you maintain your Active membership dues (in accordance with your own membership year when you joined) and have 20 CEUs on file starting the year after you earn your COM® for a 2-year cycle.
Completing the IAOM Certification Process
By completing this designated healthcare and myofunctional coursework, healthcare professionals will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the specialized field of orofacial myofunctional therapy and can then go on to complete the certification process and become a Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®).
Those that complete the IAOM Certification process will have demonstrated a proficiency set forth by the IAOM. A Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) is determined by the IAOM to be proficient in the practice of Orofacial Myology, including the evaluation and treatment of those conditions described above.
In order to maintain your COM®, you must stay current in your IAOM Active Membership dues (annually based on the IAOM membership cycle of March 1 – February 28 th ) and maintain 20 CEUs every two-years starting the year after you earned your COM®. If dues are not paid you will lose your COM® status.
The IAOM does not have the ability or authority to interpret or dictate any healthcare professional’s licensure or scope of practice.
Meet The Board of Examiners
The responsibilities of the Board of Examiners include grading of case studies, proficiency examination, and the evaluation for the on-site evaluation in order to complete the certification process. Board members must be an Active Member within the organization and are committed to holding this position for a three-year term. All Board of Examiners must hold their COM ® (Certified Orofacial. Myologist) for a minimum of five-years with the organization to be considered for eligibility to serve on the Board of Examiners.
