Provider Collaboration for SLPs, Dentists & ENTs

How OMT of York partners with speech-language pathologists, dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs — and how to refer a patient.

Direct answer

Orofacial myology sits at the intersection of dental, airway, and speech-related muscle function. Collaboration is not optional — it is how durable results happen.

Reviewed by Angie Lehman, RDH, COM — Founder, Oral Myofunctional Therapy of York · Last updated July 13, 2026

Angie's career emphasis includes dental and medical professionals working together on oral function and craniofacial development.

Definition

IAOM-certified COMs are often RDHs, dentists, or SLPs with postgraduate myofunctional training. That shared language helps referral partners understand scope.
Typical collaboration patterns: ENT/allergist for patent airway; dentist/orthodontist for ties, expansion, and occlusion; SLP for primary speech goals; OMT for Oral Rest Posture and orofacial muscle patterns that support those plans.
Providers can refer through the practice's dedicated /refer pathway. Families may also self-schedule — either route gets patients to an in-person evaluation.

When to use this guide

Use this guide if you are a provider building a referral relationship — or a parent coordinating multiple specialists.
Use it when deciding who "goes first" among ENT, dental, speech, and myofunctional care.

Failure modes

Siloed care where each specialty treats a symptom without sharing findings.
Release procedures without a functional therapy plan.
Assuming speech therapy and OMT are interchangeable rather than complementary.

Proof & sources

Mouth Breathing and Tongue Tie brochures both prescribe interdisciplinary sequencing.
RDH Magazine pieces model whole-person referral patterns (airway + ortho + myology).
Site /refer, About philosophy, and working-with-your-dentist-and-ent guides operationalize collaboration.

Action

Providers: send a referral. Families: book directly. Either way, we coordinate with the rest of the care team.

Refer a Patient Back to Learning Center

Common questions

Can SLPs and COMs treat the same patient? +

Yes, with clear role definition. SLPs often lead speech goals; OMT focuses on Oral Rest Posture and orofacial patterns that support breathing, swallow, and dental stability.

Sources

RDH Magazine articles — Angie Lehman, RDH, COM
Site Refer / About collaboration positioning