Course Description

This course is ideal for dental hygienists exploring the role of the myofunctional therapist. Myofunctional therapists are uniquely positioned to treat the muscular dysfunctions that often accompany temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD can result from a variety of issues, from musculature imbalance to malocclusion and other traumatic events. In addition to these commonly recognized factors, postural imbalances can also affect the temporomandibular joint. This course explores the causes of TMD, treatment options, including traditional and newer techniques, and the importance of a team approach to care. A demonstration of myofascial release, a discussion of therapeutic techniques, myofunctional and speech therapy, and treatment modalities for analgesia and reducing inflammation will also be included.

This course was recorded live on October 11, 2025.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

  • Identify temporomandibular joint physiology and anatomy;
  • Describe common TMD causes, symptoms, and muscle pain referral patterns;
  • Distinguish methods of pain reduction that complement myofunctional therapy;
  • Apply TMD assessment techniques for comprehensive patient care;
  • Employ simplified myofascial release techniques and touch movements;
  • Discuss TMD therapy and patient treatment options.
Credits: 2.00 CEU
Price: $40 for 1 year access
Topic(s): TMJ Pain Management
Course Type: Self-Instructional / Self-Study
Instructional Method: Video Presentation
Location: Online
Prerequisites: None
Technology Requirements: Computer (recommended), tablet, or smartphone and an internet connection
Program Provider: Today's RDH (support@todaysrdh.com)
Course Release Date: April 1, 2026
Course Expiration Date: March 31, 2029
AGD Subject Code(s): 200 Orofacial Pain
AADH Course Code: AADHTDH-132-2026-04-2
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: No relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Course Presenter

Pat Brinkman-Falter, RDH, MS, COM, is board-certified in orofacial myology and the owner of Nebraska Myofunctional Specialties. She is a professional continuing education speaker on courses in airway, birth to six oral development, newborn airway development, recognizing myofunctional disorders, TMJD pain management, and tethered oral tissues.

Pat is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the International Association of Orofacial Myology, the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, the Association of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, and the creator of the "SPOTS" myofunctional screening tool. She has held several leadership positions within the Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association, including president and delegate. Pat has received numerous awards, including Young Dental's Hygienists Who Make a Difference in 2013, Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association Dental Hygienist of the Year in 2013 and 2024, the ADHA Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award in 2015, and the IAOM Rosemarie Van Norman Prevention Award in 2020.

Her years of experience with tongue thrust, digit sucking, TMJD, and other areas of orofacial myofunctional disorders have been hugely successful. Pat has an innovative approach, enabling patients to achieve overall confidence by providing individualized, positive treatment plans. Pat has practiced orofacial myology since 2008 in Central and Eastern Nebraska. She and her husband have seven children and ten grandchildren.

Course Curriculum

  TMJ Pain Management: The Role of the Dental Hygienist
Available in days
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Frequently Asked Questions


Does this CE course meet the requirements for my state?

  • Today's RDH is an ADA CERP and AGD PACE provider, both of which are recognized by all 50 states. Today's RDH is also an American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH) approved provider of continuing education courses. This course is on-demand and is considered self-study/self-instructional. It includes a quiz that must be passed upon completion of the course to receive your CE certificate of completion.
  • Your state's Dental Practice Act, which can be found on your state's Board of Dentistry/Board of Dental Examiners website, includes your allowable duties, CE requirements, the rules pertaining to your state, etc. We highly encourage all dental healthcare professionals to check their state's Dental Practice Act often as rules, regulations, and CE requirements can change. 

Is this CE course considered "live" or "in-classroom?"

  • No, this course is on-demand and is considered self-study/self-instructional. You can take the course on your own time and are required to pass a quiz upon completion of the course to receive your CE certificate of completion. 

Is this course considered a "clinical" or "core" course?

  • To figure out if this course is considered clinical or core for your specific state, you need to check your state's Dental Practice Act, which gives the requirements and what is accepted. For states where this particular topic isn't a requirement, this course is still considered an elective self-study course and can be used to fulfill your elective self-study requirements.

How long will I have access to take the course?

  • You will have one full year from the time of purchase to complete this course. After one year from your original purchase date, you will need to repurchase the course if you want to take it again.

Do I have to take the whole course at once?

  • No, your progress will be saved every time you complete a module, so you are able to take breaks and complete the course at your own leisure.

Are there any additional fees beyond the course fee?

  • No, all fees are included in the price of this course! Depending on where you live, there may be sales tax, but no additional fees.

When will I be able to access this course after I purchase it?

  • You will have immediate access to take the course once you register and your payment goes through.

Are there test questions at the end of each course?

  • Yes, upon completion of the course, you will be required to take a quiz to show comprehension of the course. Upon successfully passing the quiz, you will be issued a CE certificate of completion for the course that you are able to download and save for your records.

How do I get my certificate/proof of completion? Will it be emailed?

  • Your CE certification completion will be awarded upon successfully completing the quiz at the end of the course. The certificate will be available in your account that you create upon enrolling in the course, but you are also encouraged to save this certificate on your own device. A link to access the certificate in your account will also be emailed to you (check your SPAM box), but not the actual certificate itself. However, just click the link, log in to your account, and you will have access to the certificate.

Are there refunds?

  • There will be no refunds issued once you have completed the course and received the CE certificate of completion. If you haven't completed the course and received a CE certificate of completion, you have 30 days to request a refund.

Is this course only for hygienists, or can doctors and dental assistants receive CE too?

  • This course is primarily designed for dental hygienists but can also be taken by doctors and dental assistants for CE credit.

Can Canadians receive CE credit for these courses?

  • Canada recognizes CE courses that have AGD PACE approved providers, so yes. However, we cannot guarantee, so we always recommend checking with your governing agency to confirm approval.

What devices can I take this course on?

  • You can take this course from any device with an internet or data connection, including laptops, desktops, tablets, or your smartphone.

Why aren't these CE courses free?

  • To offer CE courses at no cost, we would need to have sponsors (i.e., manufacturers or companies) pay for the expenses of creating and maintaining the courses. We have chosen to keep these CE courses free from sponsorship and focus 100% on providing objective education for our audience.

Who can I contact if I have more questions or feedback on future CE course topics?

  • You can reach us anytime at support@todaysrdh.com. If you don't receive a response within 48 hours, please check your SPAM folder.