International Association of Orofacial Myology

What International Association of Orofacial Myology does

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional membership association founded in 1971 and legally incorporated in Missouri, with operational headquarters in Maricopa, Arizona. It is the pioneering and sole certifying body in the orofacial myofunctional therapy field, awarding the trademarked Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) credential through an impartial Board of Examiners. The organization serves licensed healthcare professionals across six disciplines — dentists, physicians, registered dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists — who treat orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) including tongue thrust, mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ dysfunction, and feeding disorders. IAOM publishes the International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM) in partnership with MDPI and operates a free, searchable provider directory at orofacialmyologist.net that connects patients with certified members.

IAOM's core technology is not a software product but rather a credentialing infrastructure and owned digital ecosystem: a web platform handling membership enrollment (US $250/year, international $225/year), certification applications ($250 enrollment plus $850 onsite evaluation), convention registration ($999 member / $1,299 non-member for the 2026 Honolulu event), and third-party course advertising. CEU accreditation through the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) enables cross-discipline credential recognition, and the organization generates over 1.5 million digital touchpoints annually across web, email, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

The business model combines subscription recurring revenue (membership dues, certification maintenance fees) with one-time transaction revenue (certification enrollment, convention registration, advertising packages) and content sponsorship (convention Gold/Silver sponsors from product companies including Intake Breathing, Rezzimax, MyoMunchee, Toothpillow, LightScalpel, SVS Rehab, MRC, RiseWell, and Buteyko Clinic International). Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via digital channels, supplemented by an event-driven acquisition motion centered on the annual convention. The membership is voluntary and recurring, with no public investor backing and no funding rounds; ownership rests with an elected Board of Directors and voting COM® credential holders.

Name

International Association of Orofacial Myology

Legal name

International Association of Orofacial Myology

Website

https://iaom.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IAOM is a 501(c)(6) non-profit founded in 1971 that is the sole certifying body for the trademarked COM® credential in orofacial myofunctional therapy, serving dentists, physicians, SLPs, dental hygienists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists globally through membership, certification, and an annual convention.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Healthcare Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADANAD

Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Standards, Policy & Regulatory Cooperation

SECONDARYBPAIAOAC

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Regulatory Agencies & Licensing (Cross-sector)

Keywords

• Orofacial myology certification
• Professional healthcare association
• Continuing education CEU
• Clinical professional membership
• Myofunctional therapy training

Headquarters

HQ city

Maricopa, Arizona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Healthcare professionals pay annual membership dues to join IAOM. US-based members pay $250/year; international members pay $225/year. Membership is valid for one year from the date of payment and provides access to the newsletter, convention discounts, IJOM access, and the members directory listing. Membership dues are non-refundable once processed.
2. Certification Enrollment and Examination Fees: Candidates for the Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) credential pay a $250 certification enrollment fee upon application approval. An $850 onsite evaluation fee is invoiced prior to the scheduled onsite evaluation. Re-take examination fees are $250. Maintaining the COM® requires annual active membership dues plus 20 CEUs every two years. The certification process includes a 140-question proficiency examination and an in-person evaluation in front of IAOM-appointed Board Certified Orofacial Myologists.
3. Convention and Event Registration: IAOM generates revenue from convention registration fees. For the 2026 convention in Honolulu, Hawaii: IAOM member full 3-day registration is $999; non-member full 3-day registration is $1,299; day rate for members is $400; day rate for non-members is $500. International members and non-members may request a promo code to offset currency exchange rates.
4. Course Advertising and Visibility Packages: IAOM sells digital advertising and visibility packages to third-party course instructors whose courses are 28+ hours in orofacial myology. Packages range from 1-month (Member: $350 / Non-Member: $500) to 12-month always-on visibility (Member: $1,800/year / Non-Member: $2,300/year). Packages include social media posts, website listings, newsletter inclusions, and video editing services. IAOM generates over 1.5 million digital touchpoints annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional membership association that provides annual membership, the trademarked Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) certification program, continuing education courses, an annual convention, and publishing of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM) for healthcare professionals in dentistry, speech pathology, dental hygiene, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medicine. Its core products are membership and certification, supplemented by convention events and a free online provider directory.

Product overview

IAOM is a professional membership association offering a unified portfolio of membership services, certification programs, educational courses, and events for orofacial myofunctional therapy professionals. The core offerings consist of annual memberships ($250 US / $225 international) providing access to the IAOM newsletter, convention discounts, and the International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM), alongside the Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) certification track with its rigorous examination process. The organization hosts an annual convention (2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii) and publishes a provider directory. Educational offerings include IAOM-approved 28+ hour courses and supplemental training programs. Additional services include marketing/advertising packages for course providers and the Info Nest content platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• COM® (Certified Orofacial Myologist): The gold standard certification credential for orofacial myofunctional therapists, awarded through a rigorous third-party examination process by the IAOM Board of Examiners.
• IJOM (International Journal of Orofacial Myology)

Products and services

• IAOM Annual Membership Annual professional membership for healthcare professionals (dentists, SLPs, RDHs, PTs, OTs, physicians) at $250/year for US-based and $225/year for international members. Includes access to the IAOM newsletter, convention rate discount, IJOM journal access, members directory listing, and voting rights. Membership is valid one year from payment and is non-refundable once processed.
• Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®) Certification Gold-standard certification program requiring a 28-hour course, clinical experience, a 140-question written proficiency examination (80% passing score), and an in-person onsite evaluation by IAOM-appointed Board Certified Orofacial Myologists. Includes a $250 enrollment fee, $850 onsite evaluation fee, and $250 re-take fee. Recertification requires 20 CEUs every two years plus active membership.
• IAOM Annual Convention Annual in-person and on-demand convention featuring 13+ expert sessions, ~2.0+ contact hours, and networking opportunities for orofacial myology professionals. Registration: $999 for IAOM member full 3-day, $1,299 for non-member full 3-day, with day rates of $400 (member) and $500 (non-member). The 2026 event is held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM) Peer-reviewed journal published by MDPI covering orofacial myology research and educational tools, included as a member benefit. Celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.
• IAOM Provider Directory Free, searchable online directory of active IAOM members including Dentists (DDS/DMD), Physicians (MD/DO), Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH), Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), Physical Therapists (PT), and Occupational Therapists (OT). Enables patients to find Board Certified Orofacial Myologists by specialty, credentials, and education.
• 28+ Hour Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Courses IAOM-approved continuing education courses (minimum 28 hours) covering introductory and advanced orofacial myelofunctional therapy. Listings include multiple third-party course providers and serve as the foundation for COM® certification eligibility.
• Marketing & Advertising Visibility Packages Digital advertising and visibility packages sold to third-party course instructors for 28+ hour orofacial myology courses. Four tiers: 1-month (Member $350 / Non-Member $500), 3-month (Member $850 / Non-Member $1,250), 6-month (Member $1,350 / Non-Member $1,800), and 12-month always-on (Member $1,800/year / Non-Member $2,300/year). Includes website listings, social media posts, newsletter inclusions, and video editing services.

Quantifiable outcome

• IAOM generates over 1.5 million digital touchpoints annually across its digital ecosystem.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MDPI (International Journal of Orofacial Myology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAOM is affiliated with the International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM), published by MDPI. IJOM celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, reflecting five decades of research and educational excellence in orofacial myology. IJOM access is a member benefit.
• AGD (Academy of General Dentistry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAOM is an approved CEU provider through the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), allowing members and course attendees to earn AGD-approved continuing education credits. This accreditation is a key membership value driver for dental professionals.
• ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAOM is an approved CEU provider through ASHA, enabling speech-language pathologists and audiologists to earn ASHA-approved continuing education credits through IAOM courses and convention sessions. This cross-accreditation strengthens IAOM's appeal to the SLP professional community.
• Intake BreathingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Intake Breathing provides orofacial myology-related products/services and supports IAOM's annual convention through sponsorship.
• RezzimaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. Rezzimax (creator of therapeutic resonance devices for vagal nerve function) supports the convention and its speaker Sharik Peck, PT is a convention presenter. Convention hotel/lodging and flight reimbursement were provided to Sharik Peck by IAOM as part of speaking.
• Clear MyoMuncheeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. MyoMunchee is an orofacial myology appliance brand that supports the convention through sponsorship.
• ToothpillowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. Toothpillow supports the IAOM annual convention as a gold-level sponsor.
• LightScalpelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. LightScalpel (surgical laser technology provider) supports the convention as a silver-level sponsor.
• SVS RehabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. SVS Rehab provides rehabilitation products/services supporting the orofacial myology field.
• MRC Myofunctional Research Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. MRC Myofunctional Research Co. is an international orofacial myology research and product company.
• RiseWellminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. RiseWell supports the convention as a silver-level sponsor.
• Buteyko Clinic InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the IAOM 2026 Convention. Buteyko Clinic International, founded by Patrick McKeown (a convention speaker), provides Buteyko breathing education and is a silver sponsor of the IAOM convention.
• BoomBoomminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConvention Bag Sponsor for the IAOM 2026 Convention. BoomBoom provides the official convention bag for attendees.
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and SpaminorOthersThe host venue for the IAOM 2026 Convention, located at 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. Room rates are $329/night plus Hawaii tax, with a group booking link provided through Hyatt.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Myofunctional Research Co. (MRC): MRC is an international company providing myofunctional therapy appliances and training courses that directly compete with IAOM-approved 28+ hour courses. It is a sponsor of IAOM conventions but operates its own training/certification ecosystem, making it a partial competitor and emerging player in the same clinical space.
• American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association: ACPA is a professional membership association for clinicians treating cleft palate and craniofacial disorders, with significant overlap with IAOM's clinical domains (feeding, speech, orofacial function). It offers similar team-based credentialing, an annual meeting, and a multidisciplinary member base.

Broad incumbents

• American Occupational Therapy Association: AOTA is the professional membership association for occupational therapists, a core IAOM member demographic (OTs addressing feeding, oral motor, and sensory disorders). Comparable membership-plus-CEU-plus-conference business model, scaled to the broader OT profession.
• American Dental Association: The ADA is the largest U.S. professional membership association for dentists, offering credentialing, CEU accreditation, advocacy, and a provider directory — directly comparable business model to IAOM, but operating at vastly greater scale across general dentistry rather than the orofacial myology subspecialty.
• American Physical Therapy Association: APTA is the U.S. professional membership association for physical therapists, another key IAOM member segment (PTs treating TMJ, craniofacial pain, airway disorders). Both organizations deliver member certifications, CEUs, conferences, and specialty credentials.
• American Dental Hygienists' Association: ADHA is the professional association for dental hygienists — a key IAOM member demographic (RDHs) seeking myofunctional therapy certification. Both organizations operate as membership associations serving allied dental professionals with CEUs, certifications, and annual events.
• Academy of General Dentistry: AGD is the continuing education and fellowship credentialing body for general dentists. IAOM is an AGD-approved CEU provider, making AGD a natural peer — both organizations monetize member CEU pathways and recognition credentials within dentistry.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: ASHA is the primary U.S. professional association for SLPs and audiologists, running a CEU approval program (in which IAOM participates), certification (CCC-SLP), and member benefits. It is a broad incumbent serving the same healthcare-provider member base IAOM reaches for orofacial myology CEUs.

Direct peers

• International Association for Dental Research: IADR is a global professional association advancing dental and craniofacial research, with membership, conferences, and a peer-reviewed journal (JDR). It is directly comparable to IAOM as a membership/research society in the dental specialty space, though focused more on research than clinical certification.
• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine: AADSM is a professional membership association for dentists and physicians focused on sleep-disordered breathing and airway disorders — a closely adjacent clinical domain to IAOM's orofacial myology focus. It offers similar credentialing (Diplomate), CEU courses, and an annual meeting, and serves a comparable interdisciplinary provider audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/InternationalAssociationofOrofacialMyology
• Instagraminstagram.com/ouriaom
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-association-of-orofacial-myology

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Association of Orofacial Myology