We call on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to reinstate explicit language regarding orofacial myology in the upcoming 2027 Certification Standards for speech-language pathologists.

In the 2020 certification standards, swallowing and feeding competencies clearly included the following requirement:

"Swallowing/feeding, including (a) structure and function of orofacial myology and (b) oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, pulmonary, esophageal, gastrointestinal, and related functions across the life span."

However, the proposed 2027 standards replace this language with:

"Swallowing/feeding-including anatomic, physiologic, and neurologic processes of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, respiratory, esophageal, and gastrointestinal systems."

The explicit reference to orofacial myology has been removed.

This omission is concerning for clinicians, educators, and researchers who specialize in Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). These disorders affect breathing, swallowing, speech production, craniofacial development, and overall oral function across the lifespan.

Importantly, the ASHA Practice Portal already outlines the critical role speech-language pathologists play in the identification, assessment, and treatment of OMDs. In addition, Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) standards require graduate programs to provide education on these disorders. Removing clear reference to orofacial myology in the certification standards creates confusion and risks diminishing the visibility and importance of this area of practice.

This change represents a step backward for interdisciplinary care and for the many patients whose conditions involve orofacial function, including those with airway disorders, feeding difficulties, and speech-related concerns.

We respectfully request that ASHA:

1. Restore the explicit reference to "structure and function of orofacial myology" in 2027 certification standards.
2. Align certification language with current ASHA Practice guidance on orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
3. Maintain clarity for graduate education programs and clinicians regarding the importance of training in this area.

The removal of this language undermines decades of progress in recognizing the importance of orofacial myology in the speech-language pathology educational and clinical care.

We urge ASHA to reconsider this change and revert the wording to the established standards that explicitly include orofacial myology.

Patients, clinicians, educators, and students deserve certification standards that accurately reflect the full scope of practice in speech-language pathology.

Reinstate orofacial myology in the ASHA Certification Standards.