Presented by: Kari Slade, RDH, COM®

Play with Purpose: Integrating Play-Based Therapy Techniques for Pediatric Myofunctional Therapy

CE Hours: 6

Hands-On Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Course Location:

rdhu

980 Fraser Drive, Suite 214

Burlington, ON

*Close to the Hamilton and Pearson airports. Hotel recommendation below.

Course Description:

Early intervention through myofunctional therapy can positively influence oral function, craniofacial growth, and healthy development throughout childhood and beyond. However, introducing therapy at a young age presents unique challenges, as motivation, attention span, and repetitive exercise programs often require a different approach.

Play is widely recognized as a powerful tool for learning and neurodevelopment. By incorporating play-based strategies into myofunctional therapy, clinicians can create engaging, meaningful experiences that encourage participation, build new motor patterns, and improve treatment outcomes.

Join Kari Slade for this engaging 6-hour hands-on workshop designed to build confidence in implementing a play-based pediatric myofunctional therapy program. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating play throughout each stage of the Dental Hygiene Process of Care, from assessment through treatment planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Throughout the day, participants will create and explore 15 play-based therapy interventions, develop five food-based strategies to encourage home practice, participate in a simulated play-based therapy session, and collaborate on effective ways to adapt treatment when a session needs to pivot.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between embryology, early childhood milestones, oral growth and development, and orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).

• Describe how play-based learning supports skill acquisition and neuromotor development in pediatric clients.

• Incorporate passive skill-building strategies using habit stacking techniques to enhance treatment outcomes.

• Formulate a play-based assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, and treatment plan using the Dental Hygiene Process of Care.

• Perform hands-on exercises designed to address pediatric OMDs and create practical play-based therapy tools.

• Explore food-based strategies to increase motivation, engagement, and home practice.

• Design a play-based therapy session that can be implemented in clinical practice.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of play-based interventions and modify treatment strategies to meet the changing needs of pediatric clients.

Hotel Recommendation:

Sandman

3451 S Service Rd W

Oakville, ON, L6L 0C3

(289) 881-7263

Register at the Sandman Oakville Hotel just down the road from rdhu! Click here to access the booking and use PROMO CODE: RDHU to receive our Corporate Rate!