Course Description | Tethered Oral Tissue(s) is an abnormality of one or more of the seven frena in the oral cavity including: maxillary buccal, mandibular buccal, maxillary labial, mandibular labial and lingual frena. Abnormalities of the frena, such as tightness, atypical location and/or appearance are often missed in speech and feeding evaluations because many medical and educational professionals have not been trained in the diagnostic procedures for structural and functional red flags of TOTs.

This course will discuss how medical and education professionals such as IBCLCs, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, dentists, ENTs, pediatricians, orthodontists etc. can quickly assess for TOTs and make the proper referrals to a specialist who has specialized training in this diagnosis. Common symptoms will be highlighted such as sleep disorders and dysphagia. Clarification of a TOTs team and suggested referrals will also be covered.

Learning Outcomes | Participants will be able to identify at least 3 signs and symptoms of TOTs.

1. Participants will be able to identify the location of the seven frena.
2. Participants will be able to list at least 2 reasons to warrant a referral to a TOTs trained specialist.

E-Learning Details | Instructor Details and Financial Disclosure 

• Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️

Registration Fees

• Online ONLY for 1 learner -- ACCESS TO ONLINE COURSE (downloadable handout and additional resources)
• Online + Supplies for 1 learner:
  • 5-Step TOTs Screening Tri-Fold Brochure, Jaw Grading Bite Blocks, Straw C, Horn #1, LinguaStik, 5 Toothies.
    • ACCESS TO ONLINE COURSE for 5 learners
    • 5 sets of supplies listed above

Want more TOTs for less? Check out our TOTs Bundle to save over $100!

Schedule

Timed Agenda

• 20 Minutes: Background - what is TOTs?
• 30 Minutes: What are frena
• 30 Minutes: Red flags of TOTs and proper assessment
• 50 Minutes: Assessing the oral frena and using the screening tool
• 20 Minutes: Wrap up

Recommended Tools

• sensi pre-feeding
• bite blocks
• throat scope
• toothies
• liper

CEUs |

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus on treatment methods related to the use of TalkTools® resources. Other similar treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.

TalkTools®️ is an AOTA Approved Provider of continuing education. Provider #: 8837. This Distance Learning-Independent course qualifies for 2.5 contact hours or 0.25 CEUs in the Category of OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. Course Level: Intermediate.

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