2025 Year in Review: Key Developments in Orofacial Therapy

Autumn Henning
23 minutes ago
3 min read

From clinical insights to community momentum, here’s what 2025 taught us—and how to use it to grow in 2026.

2025 Year in Review: What Mattered Most in Orofacial Therapy This Year

2025 Year in Review: Key Developments in Orofacial Therapy blog by Chrysalis Orofacial in Greenville, South Carolina

From breakthroughs to fresh approaches, here’s why 2025’s lessons are your launchpad for success in 2026.

Every year in healthcare brings change — but some years stand out. 2025 was one of those years for orofacial therapy. New research, evolving best practices, and a growing community of dedicated providers have created momentum you can’t afford to miss.

Why does this matter to you? Because the therapy you deliver, the outcomes your patients achieve, and the confidence you bring to your work all depend on staying ahead — not just catching up.

Here are the key developments that shaped 2025 and why they should fuel your growth in 2026.

1. Early Intervention is a Game Changer

More healthcare providers are screening for tethered oral tissues (oral ties), airway concerns, and myofunctional issues during orthodontic consults, dental check-ups and early feeding consultations. This means:

Families are getting answers sooner, reducing frustration and delays.
Therapists can implement targeted interventions earlier, preventing complex compensations that are harder to fix later.
Your role as a specialist becomes even more crucial — and visible.

Ready to become the go-to expert for early orofacial issues? Our TOTS Training® will give you the advanced skills and clinical decision-making tools you need to confidently evaluate, treat, and collaborate on oral tethering cases with precision.

2. Collaborative Care Took Center Stage

This year, true interdisciplinary collaboration gained traction — not just lip service. Speech therapists, lactation consultants, dentists, and medical providers are coming together with clearer communication and shared goals.

What this means for your practice:

Smoother referral pathways and stronger professional relationships.
More comprehensive care plans that accelerate patient progress.
Increased professional respect as a valued team member.

Don’t wait to build your referral network. Our The STONES Approach training dives deep into collaborative treatment planning, referral timing, and communication strategies so you can be the anchor your patients and colleagues rely on.

3. Function Over Form Became the Focus

It’s no longer enough to identify “ties” based solely on appearance. The field shifted decisively toward assessing function — how oral restrictions affect breathing, swallowing, speech, and development.

Why should you care? Because treatment that restores functional movement delivers lasting results, improves quality of life, and reduces the risk of relapse.

Get ready to master the art and science of functional assessment. Our advanced courses teach you how to measure true progress, eliminate compensations, and ensure therapy generalizes into everyday life.

4. CEUs that Deliver Real Results

Professionals told us loud and clear in 2025: they want education that’s immediately applicable and clinically relevant. Sitting through lectures isn’t enough anymore — therapists want mentorship, practical tools, and ongoing support.

If your CEUs leave you wondering how to apply the info or feeling isolated, it’s time for a change.

Join our community in 2026 to experience education that transforms your practice. With live Q&A, exclusive groups, and practical resources, our courses help you not just learn — but thrive.

5. Self-Care and Support Became Non-Negotiable

Burnout is real. But so is the power of community and ongoing mentorship. Providers who prioritize connection, professional growth, and balance showed up as the most effective—and most fulfilled.

Looking for a place to belong professionally and personally? When you train with Chrysalis Orofacial, you join a network that supports your growth beyond the classroom.

What’s Next for You?

2026 is your chance to build on everything 2025 started. Imagine:

Knowing exactly when and how to refer to complex cases.
Delivering therapy that truly changes lives.
Growing your practice with confidence and clarity.
Belonging to a supportive, like-minded community.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you want to master tethered oral tissues, clinical decision-making, or advanced therapy techniques, we have a program designed to meet you where you are.