The Breathe Institute’s Functional Evaluation and Reporting Protocols

Presented by: Sanda Valcu-Pinkerton, RDHAP, COM, and Sarah Hornsby, RDH, OMT

Original Presentation Date: September 24, 2021

Course Description:

"The Breathe Institute’s Functional Evaluation and Reporting Protocols" presents a pioneering approach integrating myofunctional therapy into ENT/Sleep Medicine, aiming to disseminate foundational knowledge and therapeutic strategies in this field to the broader healthcare community. This course emphasizes the significance of myofunctional therapy, a practice historically utilized across generations but lacking formal guidelines and comprehensive research within the US healthcare landscape. The Breathe Institute, in collaboration with AAPMD, endeavors to bridge this gap by sharing scientifically substantiated therapy-based insights, focusing on optimal growth, development, and functional well-being. Participants will delve into common terminology, reporting styles, and research-supported communication methods vital for effective interdisciplinary collaboration, explore pivotal findings from floor-of-mouth compensation research, and gain insights into cross-organizational consensus on therapeutic terminology for diagnostic and report writing processes.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and employ common terminology and reporting styles essential for effective communication and collaboration within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, ensuring streamlined information exchange and cohesive patient care plans.
• Review and evaluate critical findings from floor-of-mouth compensation research, comprehending their significance in myofunctional therapy and their implications for diagnosing and treating related conditions affecting breathing and oral function.
• Identify and compile cross-organizational consensus on therapeutic terminology pertinent to myofunctional therapy, enabling its seamless integration into diagnostic processes and standardized report-writing practices, promoting consistency and clarity in clinical communication across disciplines.

Speaker Bio:

Sanda Valcu-Pinkerton, a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDHAP) with over 25 years of clinical practice, extends her commitment to exceptional patient care by broadening her Orofacial Myotherapist and Buteyko Breathing coach expertise. Specializing in training Orofacial muscles for optimal development across all age groups, Sanda's dedication facilitates improved dental alignment, enhanced breathing, and better health outcomes. Recognizing the profound impact of myofunctional disorders on jaw growth, temporomandibular joint function, breathing, posture, and systemic health, she pursued extensive training in Buteyko breathing with organizations like IAOM and Patrick McKeown. Currently serving as the Myofunctional Therapy Director at The Breathe Institute, Sanda was pivotal in formulating The TBI Protocols for Functional Frenuloplasty, demonstrating her commitment to advancing myofunctional therapy practices.

Sarah Hornsby, RDH, OMT is a distinguished myofunctional therapist, renowned speaker, mentor, and visionary entrepreneur committed to catalyzing transformative change in healthcare and dentistry through comprehensive education and purposeful initiatives. With an ardent dedication to professional development and driven by her personal health journey, Sarah's vision has culminated in fostering a vibrant community of dedicated professionals who share her passion for revolutionizing healthcare norms and practices.