When to Refer: Building a Referral Network for Orofacial Patients

You do not have to treat everything alone.

In fact, some of the strongest clinical outcomes happen when providers know exactly when to bring another professional into the care plan.

Orofacial patients rarely present with isolated challenges. Feeding difficulties, speech delays, airway concerns, and oral dysfunction often overlap. That is why referral clarity matters just as much as clinical skill.

At Chrysalis Orofacial, we see time and time again that coordinated care leads to faster progress, better carryover, and more confident families.

What Does “Referral-Based Care” Mean? (Short Definition)

Referral-based care is an interdisciplinary approach where providers collaborate across specialties to address structural, functional, and airway-related contributors to orofacial challenges.

Rather than working in silos, clinicians share insight, align goals, and support the whole patient.

Why Orofacial Cases Require More Than One Lens

Orofacial dysfunction rarely fits neatly into one scope of practice.

A child with feeding challenges may also have restricted tongue mobility.A patient with articulation concerns may be compensating for airway instability.A dental provider may see structural changes long before functional symptoms emerge.

Each discipline brings a different piece of the puzzle:

• Dentists often identify structural patterns and growth concerns

• SLPs assess feeding, speech, oral coordination, and carryover into daily function

• OTs support sensory regulation, posture, and motor integration

• Medical providers address airway, reflux, and underlying health factors
  

Individually, each provider helps.

Together, they transform outcomes.

In Simple Terms

When one provider tries to manage everything, important details can be missed.

When providers collaborate, patients benefit.

Referral networks allow each clinician to work within their strengths while ensuring the full picture is addressed.

Common Signs It May Be Time to Refer

Referral does not mean failure. It means you are advocating for comprehensive care.

Here are common indicators that another provider may need to be involved:

Feeding and Oral Function

• Poor latch or inefficient feeding

• Fatigue during meals

• Limited tongue mobility

• Difficulty progressing textures

• Persistent gagging or choking
  

Speech and Motor Patterns

• Slow articulation progress

• Jaw or lip compensations

• Reduced oral coordination

• Limited carryover despite consistent therapy
  

Airway and Posture

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring or restless sleep

• Forward head posture

• Low tongue resting posture
  

Structural Observations

• Narrow or high palate

• Crowding

• Suspected tethered oral tissues
  

These signs often point to deeper functional or airway-related contributors that benefit from interdisciplinary support.

For broader clinical guidance on speech and feeding development, professionals can also reference evidence-based resources from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

How Strong Referral Networks Improve Outcomes

When referral pathways are clear, patients experience:

• Faster clinical progress

• More consistent home carryover

• Reduced compensatory patterns

• Better caregiver understanding

• Increased trust in the care team
  

From a provider perspective, collaboration reduces burnout and creates confidence in complex cases.

Instead of guessing next steps, clinicians move forward together.

Building a Referral Network That Actually Works

Strong referral networks are built on relationships, not just business cards.

Here are practical ways to start:

1. Identify Complementary Providers

Look for professionals who share an airway-centered, functional approach.

2. Communicate Clearly

Share evaluation findings, goals, and progress updates whenever possible.

3. Align Expectations

Make sure families understand how each provider supports the care plan.

4. Coordinate Timing

Pre- and post-intervention therapy works best when providers collaborate.

5. Follow Up

Check in on outcomes and refine referral pathways over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it’s time to refer?

When progress stalls, compensations persist, or airway or structural concerns are present, collaboration is often helpful.

Does referring mean I lose control of the case?

No. Referrals strengthen care by adding support, not replacing your role.

Who should be part of an orofacial referral network?

Common collaborators include dentists, SLPs, OTs, ENTs, lactation consultants, and myofunctional therapists.

How do I explain referrals to families?

Frame referrals as team-based care designed to support their child from every angle.

What if I don’t have a network yet?

Building connections takes time. Start with one trusted provider and grow from there.

Ready to Strengthen Your Referral Confidence?

If you want support building collaborative pathways and communicating effectively across disciplines, our Confidently Connecting for Collaboration (CCC) course was created specifically for this purpose.

CCC helps you:

• Navigate interdisciplinary conversations with clarity

• Build trusted referral relationships

• Communicate care plans confidently with families

• Strengthen professional connections across specialties
  

It is designed for SLPs, OTs, dentists, and healthcare professionals who want to improve outcomes through collaboration.

👉 Explore the CCC course and start building stronger referral networks today.

You can also join the Chrysalis Orofacial newsletter or follow us on social media for ongoing clinical insight, case studies, and training updates.