Convenient. Comprehensive. Complementary.

Understanding the origins and principles behind ALF Therapy and OraLase help the provider to apply the techniques and technologies in the intelligent and creative mindset in which these forward-thinking paradigms of care were created 

Learning objectives: 

• Mechanism of action of biomechanical approach to bone and sutural growth
• Principles of oral neuromyofunction and positive proprioception
• The Synergy model of comprehensive care
• The relevance of the anterior coupling response and conversion to the mature swallowing pattern
• The impact of trauma as a disruptor of an ideal growth environment
• The higher priority of ANS regulation that precedes structural growth requirements
• Introduction to trigeminal influences in global function
• Introduction to neuromodulation
• Tongue anatomy and physiology and relevance to identification of restrictions
• Introduction to OraLase and BabyLase principles and clinical applications
• The neuroreflexive nature of the airway

This presentation will introduce the concepts related to the influence of neurologic aspects of function, especially in the trigeminal region.  

Learning objectives: 

• The hierarchy of physiological opportunities and needs and the functional assessments and support through laser/light force assisted neuromodulation and exercises
• The differences between survival and resilience
• Introduction to the metabolic aspects of sleep and the influences of the down-regulated brain
• Introduction to the trigeminal cardiac reflex 
• Autonomic nervous system regulation
• Primitive reflex importance, integration, retention and return
• The role of the limbic system and interpretation of pain
• Dental expansion with a mental mindset

This presentation includes a discussion on the definition and relevance of neuroplasticity, especially as related to overcoming obstacles that occurred in early childhood. 

Learning objectives: 

• Definition and importance of neuroplasticity
• The role of trauma and transformation
• The relevance of the first 1000 days of life and its role in neurological development in setting the trajectory for a lifetime of wellness or illness
• Discussion of several relevant forms of neuromodulation that are available and impactful in a comprehensive model of integrative patient care

This presentation prepares the provider team for the Shotgun portion of the hybrid course developed to assess the efficiency of the neural circuits as well as the identification of fascial restrictions, pain, restricted ranges of motion and several additional risk factors related to airway dysfunction and the wellness of their patients

Learning objectives include the didactic material supporting :

• the explanation of the Moro reflex and starfish assessment
• the SWITCH assessment of the trigeminal neural circuits
•  the importance of assessing pain and how to perform the STOP assessment for different age groups
• several aspects of performng oropharyngeal evaluations to assess risk factors contributing to sleep disordered breathing and craniofacial pain

A comprehensive, innovative approach to the evaluation and treatment of sleep disordered breathing , neurological development and oral dysfunction through optogenetic neuromodulation and optimization of the oral environment.

Learning objectives: 

• Challenging the current paradigms of the definition of restriction
• Review of the research on the floor of mouth and lingual frenum anatomy
• 1064 mn wavelength properties and clinical benefits
• OraLase and BabyLase mechanism of action and clinical applications
• Benefits and limitations of OraLase and BabyLase
• The importance of prioritizing etiology over ideology
• Low tongue posture and vagal nerve relationship
• Myofunctional therapy exercises compliance compared to swallow conversion
• Redefining oral tissue functional limitations in the context of primary neurological and fascial restrictions
• The neurology of sleep disordered breathing
• Cranial nerve neuromodulation 
• The role of fascia and interpretation of pain

This presentation discusses the importance of movement on human development and function as well as techniques utilized to assess and address deficiencies and dysfunction.

Learning objectives: 

• Instruction on the primitive reflex system and its role in movement and human function
• Instruction on the Reflexercises that can stimulate the cranial nerves and integrate primitive reflexes through simple techniques and movements 
• Discussion on the role of oxytocin as an important factor the physiology of birth and sensory stimulation from the skin

This presentation discusses the role of the neural circuits of wakefulness as well as sleep in the context of human function as well as techniques and tools to assess and address them.

Learning objectives: 

• Introduction to the definition and modulation of neural circuits
• Discussion of the emerging science related to neurological function, sleep metrics as well as the anatomy and physiology of tongue restrictions
• The impact of developmental gaps on neurological development
• Discussion of the neuroreflexive nature of breathing and the limitations of a purely structural approach to improving airway health
• A literature review of trigeminal and vagal cranial nerve stimulation and its impact on overall health and function
• The influence of dentistry on whole-body wellness
• Discussion of the complex considerations of trigeminal influences on sleep
• The benefits of utilizing the 1064nm wavelength to address neurological and fascial restrictions that prevent wellness
• The role of hyaluronic acid as a lubricating layer between muscle and fascia as well as a neuromodulator
• Challenging the practice of habituation through forceful repetition of the posterior palatal seal exercise as a potential negative influence on pain and stress management
• The role of C tactile fibers inemotional regulation and mechanotransduction
• Discussion of the role of the Locus Coeruleus on neurodegeneration and whole-body function
• Introduction to the assessments to determine the efficiency and balance in the trigeminal circuits to assess swallow or occlusal dysfunction

Instruction on appreciating the role of trauma and its impact on both form and function. 

Learning objectives: 

• The priorities of cerebral perfusion and glial cell function in health and wellness
• Discussion of the role of the Locus Coeruleus, trigeminal nerve and oral environment in responsiveness to motor commands and vestibulospinal reflexes and swallow function
• The role of trauma as a vector in swallow function which subsequently impacts structural facial development
• How nature-based approaches, including ALF Therapy support the patient’s natural ability to overcome the obstacles created by trauma
• How ALF therapy places priority on neurological function and structural growth while optimizing comfort and efficiency in a neuroreflexive model of craniofacial development
• The power of positive proprioception through carefully designed appliances with the goal of supporting the swallow as well as the connection of neural circuits
• Exercise compliance compared to neuroreflexive swallow conversion
• Basic principles of the neurodevelopmental approach
• The role of the primitive reflexive system in a comprehensive approach to care
• Stages of the anterior coupling response and importance of ANS regulation
• Patterns of malocclusion based on swallow function and cranial strain patterns
• The relationship between the anterior coupling response and trigeminal cardiac reflex
• The impact of interruptions during development affecting both form and function 
• Treatment sequencing designed to address the origin instead of the symptoms of dysfunction
• Connecting the dots of structure and function
• Challenging rigid expansion narrative and research on bone quality gained by rhythmic compared to rigid expansion methods
• Discussion on the definition of evidence-based medicine and clinical equipoise as well as the limitations of research on humans
• ALF Therapy case studies to demonstrate that neurological and structural improvements can be efficiently and effectively performed as a synergistic effort to support a nature-based method to simultaneously improve both form and function

This presentation has been developed with the goal of elevating the awareness of the role of dentistry in comprehensive health and function with an emphasis of the role of the trigeminal afferents in neurological presentations of both sleep and wakeful states of health and function.

Learning objectives: 

• The role of dentistry in affecting the trigeminal nerve afferents (input signals to the brain)
• The anatomy and influences of the trigeminal nerve
• The relationships between the trigeminal nerve and Locus Coeruleus (LC)
• The role of the LC, Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS) and Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus (MTN/Me5) in sleep physiology
• In depth exploration of the relevance of the CAP stages of NREM sleep
• The influence of the dental provider in addressing the etiology of sleep apnea throughout the lifespan
• Review of the Andrisani publications on the etiology of Sleep Apnea as the CAP B phase of NREM sleep and the impact of a dysfunctional MTN on neurotransmitter depletion
• Discussion of airway obstruction as a contributing, but not causative factor in the etiology of sleep apnea
• CAP rates as an expression of disease and dysfunction
• The role of a dysfunctional MTN and the importance of early intervention
• Dr. Darick Nordstrom’s contributions to the interpretation of the literature and understanding of the role of the TCR in clinical practice
• Case study discussion of sleep data that utilizes masseter EMG readings to compare intensity of contraction related to heart rate, peripheral oxygenation, position and audio related data to assist in assessing and addressing complex patient care
• Age specific observations and implications for the treatment of patients throughout the lifespan

This presentation reviews and honors the contributions made by Dr. Darick Nordstrom to the creation and evolution of OraLase.  

Learning objectives: 

• The unique nature of the 1064nm wavelength and why it was chosen along with the specific delivery systems that have been developed for use in the OraLase technique
• The impact of stress and primitive reflexes on neurological development
• The role of the fascial system and a whole-body perspective
• C tactile fibers and their importance
• The principle of rhythmic integration
• Description of ALF Therapy
• Discussion of ontogeny and phylogeny and their roles in human development
• Development of the swallow pattern from embryology to the mature pattern
• Patient assessment and home care therapy
• Description of technique
• Literature references and relevance
• HINSLR: High Intensity Non-Surgical Laser Release
• Discussion of the utilization of the Er:YAG wavelength in OraLase+ 

This presentation was created to support the provider who has previously attended courses offered through The Synergy Academy as they prepare for the certification examination

Learning objectives: 

• Brief overview of examples and explanations of OraLase and BabyLase
• Review of the benefits of cranial nerve stimulation
• Floor of mouth and anatomy of the sublingual frenum as a fascial structure
• The response of deep fascia and resultant scarring if the epimysium if altered during a surgical procedure
• Review of the different types of oral restrictions affecting oral function
• Positive pressure release technique 
• Limbic system influences
• Complications and misdiagnoses associated with infant frenotomy
• The role of trauma in the context of developmental reflex integration
• The influence of hyaluronic acid in movement and neuromodulation
• Literature review of vagal nerve stimulation
• Social touch carrying a positive affective value and emotional regulation
• Fascia facts and considerations
• Collaborative care recommendations
• The impact of neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood
• The roles of torticollis and prolonged pacifier use
• Indications for BabyLase
• Oral Neuromyofunctional Mythtakes
• Addressing birth trauma, vagal nerve stimulation and limbic influences with OraLase and BabyLase
• The importance of addressing the reflexive system when treating babies for feeding dysfunction
• OraLase & BabyLase: Observations by the provider community
• Benefits & limitations of BabyLase
• CARE Release