How a dental hygienist can become a board certified orofacial myologist
Do you want to advance your career, do more, and learn about different areas that affect oral health?
Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC, and I discuss areas that might pique your interest. Joy received her certification in orofacial myology (COM) in 2017, and added International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential in 2022.
How do these credentials apply to dental hygienists?
Here’s how Joy went down this path. Personal experience with her three kids led her to learn about myofunctional disorders. She found out there were different problems in people’s mouths other than what’s generally associated with dental hygiene.
When Joy worked with a doctor who performed tongue-tie releases on many babies, this led to her interest in becoming a lactation specialist.
If either of these areas sound interesting to you regarding career growth, Joy discusses how dental hygienists can learn more about and become certified in either or both of these specialties. She shares the different avenues hygienists can take in order to explore these areas, and what moves to make when they do.
Tune in to hear what we discuss, and learn more at joylantz.com.
About the Author
Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC
Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC, has more than 25 years of experience in the dental field with a background in dental hygiene. She is a myofunctional therapist and lactation consultant in a local dental office. She is a national speaker presenting courses on anticipatory guidance, collaboration for patient care, and myofunctional therapy. Her passion is to assist dental and medical professionals to work together in screening and treating for oral myofunctional disorders and overall health.
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH
Chief Editor, RDH magazine
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, is a respected dental industry leader with more than 40 years of experience in dental hygiene, marketing, and professional relations. As chief editor of RDH, she is dedicated to advancing the dental profession through education, innovation, and collaboration. Prior to this role, she served as manager of professional relations and communications for Sunstar/GUM, building strong connections with industry associations, educational institutions, and dental professionals nationwide. Jackie has also contributed her expertise through committee service with organizations including the American Dental Education Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.