50th Anniversary

As the Executive Director of the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), I am honored to celebrate this extraordinary milestone, the 50th anniversary of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM). For half a century, the IJOM has stood as a beacon of excellence, driving innovation in the field of orofacial myology and myofunctional therapy.

Since its inception in 1975 as the International Journal of Oral Myology, the IJOM has been an indispensable resource, publishing groundbreaking research and evidence-based insights that have shaped the way we understand and practice in this specialized area. It has grown to be trusted by researchers, clinicians, and educators alike for the quality publications and data it provides.   

This remarkable journey began with the visionary leadership of our founding editor, Mr. Tom Robertson, whose dedication to bridging the gap between research and clinical application laid the foundations for this esteemed publication. Over the years, the journal has flourished under the stewardship of eleven exceptional Editors-in-Chief, each contributing to its growth and prestige. Today, under the leadership of our current Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Nancy Pearl Solomon, the IJOM has embraced modernization and digital transformation in switching to an open access model. This has allowed the publication to reach a global network, with Editorial Board Members from seven different countries, including the USA, Brazil, Australia, Spain, Japan, France and Singapore.

As we commemorate this golden anniversary, we celebrate not only the journal's rich legacy but also its unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. The impact of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy over the past 50 years has been immeasurable, and I am confident that its future will be equally as bright. Here is to the next 50 years of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in orofacial myology and myofunctional therapy!

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As President of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, I am honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy. For five decades, this journal has served as a foundational pillar for our field—preserving its history, advancing its science, and elevating the clinical excellence of its readers.

The IJOM has not only chronicled the evolution of orofacial myology—it has helped shape it. The journal has long provided a space where researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders converge—sharing evidence, case insights, and innovation that directly impact patient care.

What makes the IJOM especially meaningful today is how it highlights the power of collaboration. It has become a home for interdisciplinary voices—speech–language pathologists, dental professionals, bodyworkers, physicians, and others—who come together with a shared goal: to move this field forward. This spirit of collective contribution has been key to our growth and relevance.

In an era where early intervention and cross-disciplinary care are more important than ever, the IJOM remains a trusted source of knowledge, integrity, and vision.

Here’s to honoring our past, shaping our future, and continuing to grow together—one issue at a time.

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My first introduction to the International Journal of Orofacial Myology (IJOM) came in 2004 when I was speaking at the IAOM Mid-Winter Conference in Las Vegas, NV, where I met Nicholas Moore, author of Suffer the Little Children. Moore, a librarian, presented compelling findings on the use of oral habit appliances, highlighting the need for ethical, evidence-based approaches in clinical practice. What stood out was that the IJOM welcomed contributions from clinicians, researchers, physicians, and community members alike, united by a shared goal of advancing the science of orofacial myology. 

I proudly collected IJOM volumes, relying on them for research, clinical validation, and practical strategies. It was, and still is, the only dedicated journal focused exclusively on oral motor science and is respected across disciplines. 

Later, I was honored to serve as an Associate Editor under the guidance of my mentor Pat Taylor, a speech–language pathologist and Board-Certified Orofacial Myologist^® whose editorial mentorship profoundly shaped my career. The IJOM inspired my growth from clinician/lecturer to published author, contributing posters, clinical perspectives, book reviews, and a systematic review to the journal. 

Currently, under Dr. Nancy Solomon’s visionary leadership, the IJOM has transitioned to a fully digital, open access format, broadening its reach while remaining true to its mission. Her work has ensured that the IJOM continues to be an accessible, credible, publishable platform for clinicians actively working in the field.

As we celebrate the journal’s 50th anniversary, we recognize the IJOM’s unwavering role in advancing the legitimacy and global recognition of orofacial myofunctional disorders. In a field often challenged by controversy, the IJOM has served as a steadfast leader in elevating research, refining treatment, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. 

May the IJOM continue to pave the way for excellence in orofacial myofunctional sciences for decades to come. 

Highly Cited Paper Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2694-2526/46/1/3

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In the growing field of orofacial myofunctional therapy, the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM) holds a truly significant position. As the only U.S.-based scientific journal devoted exclusively to myofunctional therapy, the IJOM provides a rigorous academic platform where interdisciplinary perspectives on airway health and function converge.

Its commitment to publishing clinically relevant, peer-reviewed research has been instrumental in elevating the scientific discourse around myofunctional disorders and their implications for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). I had the honor of publishing a recent study in the IJOM that included a 3D animation illustrating the impact of ankyloglossia on orofacial development and its potential link to OSA—a topic that often lacks visibility in mainstream medical literature. The journal not only welcomed this contribution but also provided the right context and readership to appreciate its clinical and scientific significance.

As a physician focused on OSA, I consider the IJOM an essential resource for advancing evidence-based approaches in our field. Congratulations on five decades of leadership and vision.

Recent Publication Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2694-2526/51/1/5

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For 50 years, the IJOM has provided a window into the growth, development, and maturation of the field of orofacial myology, both domestically and internationally. Having personally contributed many articles to the journal since 1980, and having served as an Associate Editor of the IJOM for many previous issues, the culmination of this distinct privilege was the opportunity and challenge provided in 1988, by Editor (at the time) Patricia McLoughlin, for me to develop and serve as the Guest Editor for a Special Issue of the IJOM that would summarize the state of the art in the field of orofacial myology. Titled Special Issue, Orofacial Myology: Current Trends, Volume 14, #1, March 1988, this issue of the IJOM has information and perspectives that remain current. 
See Special Issue Articles here: https://www.mdpi.com/2694-2526/14/1.

The IJOM continues to be the primary resource for individuals and disciplines interested in orofacial myofunctional disorders. It has been my singular pleasure and privilege to have been a part of the development and success of the IJOM. Thank you to the IJOM for being a highlight of my professional career in speech pathology and orthodontics.

Happy 50th anniversary, IJOM. May your amazing legacy continue.

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Congratulations to the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy on reaching an extraordinary milestone—50 years of publication, progress, and impact. I am honored to reflect on what this journal has meant to the clinical and scientific community, particularly in the ever-evolving field of ankyloglossia.

Over the past five decades, our understanding of ankyloglossia has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a rarely discussed condition is now recognized as a complex diagnosis that requires careful assessment, individualized treatment, and interdisciplinary coordination. Throughout this evolution, this journal has been a steadfast and pioneering voice—curating and disseminating valuable peer-reviewed research that has shaped clinical practice and informed provider education. It has consistently been ahead of the curve in publishing seminal articles that have challenged assumptions, refined diagnostic frameworks, and offered evidence-based insight into surgical and non-surgical management strategies.

Importantly, the journal has never shied away from the difficult conversations. Whether addressing controversies around diagnostic criteria, the role of frenectomy in infant feeding, or the integration of myofunctional therapy across different age groups, it has fostered a platform for respectful debate and knowledge sharing. This willingness to engage with the complex and sometimes contentious aspects of ankyloglossia care has allowed the field to grow in both sophistication and credibility.

All of us involved in the care of patients with orofacial dysfunction—dentists, myofunctional therapists, speech-language pathologists, lactation consultants, ENTs, bodyworkers, and more—have benefited from the journal’s commitment to elevating the standards of care. As we look toward the future, I am confident that the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy will continue to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and scientific rigor.

On behalf of ICAP, thank you for five decades of meaningful contribution. Here's to the next 50 years of advancing the science and practice of orofacial health.

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As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Journal of Oral Myology (IJOM), I reflect on its unparalleled role in shaping the field of myofunctional research. For half a century, the IJOM has been a catalyst for progress—publishing landmark studies, fostering interdisciplinary dialog, and translating evidence into clinical practice. Its commitment to rigorous science, open access, and global collaboration has empowered researchers and clinicians alike to advance orofacial health, airway function, and craniofacial development.  

Serving as an editor for the IJOM has been a profound privilege. The journal’s mission aligns seamlessly with my work in myofunctional therapy and craniofacial dynamics, particularly in exploring the systemic connections between oral posture, breathing, and overall health. The IJOM’s platform has connected me with a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to improving patient outcomes worldwide.  

Looking ahead, I am confident that the IJOM, in its new chapter under the stewardship of MDPI, will continue to lead our field into new frontiers—embracing emerging technologies, addressing health disparities, and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Congratulations to the entire IJOM family on this milestone. Here’s to 50 more years of innovation, impact, and transformative science!  

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I am honored to write this testimonial for the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOMMT) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. For the past decades, the journal has served as a critical resource for clinicians, researchers, and university educators involved in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), such as tongue thrust, mouth breathing, speech articulation, and temporomandibular joint disorders. The journal encourages an interdisciplinary approach that brings together perspectives from dentists, oral surgeons, speech–language pathologists, orthodontists, and dental hygienists, thus promoting collaborative care models for patients across the lifespan. Based on my experiences, I would like to state that the journal has played a pivotal role in disseminating scholarly work both nationally and internationally that supports evidence-based practices in OMDs.

It has been a tremendous professional experience to serve as a peer reviewer on the Editorial Review Board for the journal. During this professional service period of over a decade, I learned about interdisciplinary research, its emerging issues, and practices. Around the same time, having published several articles on this open-access digital platform, I was fortunate to work with Editors Pat Taylor and Dr. Nancy Peral Solomon; both of these persons encouraged authors to present innovative clinical methodologies, treatment outcome measures, and effective therapeutic techniques that can be integrated into OMD clinical practice.

 In light of the diversity of contributing authors around the globe, the journal maintains high editorial standards and seamless peer-review processes to ensure the publication of high-quality, impactful OMD content to define best practices and standards of care in the profession. Through its continued editorial and management efforts with MDPI, the IJOMMT remains a cornerstone in advancing the scientific and clinical knowledge of OMDs. To conclude, this journal is an invaluable asset for researchers, educators, clinicians, and students. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude for being a part of the IJOMMT’s journey, and I recommend the journal to anyone dedicated to OMDs.

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