At Gettysburg Dental Associates (GDA), care goes beyond teeth to help patients improve their oral function. That’s exactly what myofunctional therapists Stacia and Jessica are passionate about at Gettysburg Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).

Stacia, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist, has been with GDA for over 18 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Virginia University and has spent much of her career focused on pediatric care at Just Kids, part of GDA.

Since 2008, Jessica, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist, has been practicing as a registered dental hygienist. She earned her dental hygiene degree from Harrisburg Area Community College, holds a biology degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and completed OMT training through the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) in 2023.

Learn more about Jessica and Stacia's approach to myofunctional therapy and how it can make a difference in the lives of patients of all ages in the Q&A below.

How would you explain OMT to someone who has never heard of it?

Jessica: OMT is an individualized therapy that uses a series of specialized exercises to retrain the muscles in your head and neck to function correctly, focusing on how you breathe, eat, swallow, and rest your mouth.

Stacia: OMT also works to achieve the four goals of myofunctional therapy

1. Improved nasal breathing

2. Sealed lips

3. Proper tongue posture

4. Correct swallowing patterns

With these goals, we improve your overall health and well-being!

What does a typical OMT session look like?

Stacia: A typical session is 30 to 40 minutes long, reviewing individualized exercises assigned at the previous session and progressing to new ones to practice over the next two weeks.

Jessica: Sessions are also either fully in-person or a hybrid of in-person and virtual.

How does OMT work alongside dentistry and the other services GDA provides?

Stacia: GDA seeks to treat the whole patient, and adding OMT as a specialty is a natural fit to complement the quality care already provided here.

Jessica: OMT acts as a collaborative bridge between structural dental care and functional muscle habits. While dentists and orthodontists focus on the position and health of your teeth and bones, OMT specialists focus on the muscles that surround them.  

OMT supports orthodontics by preventing relapse and promoting proper jawbone growth. Screening at routine dental visits can identify tongue and lip ties, orthodontic concerns, sleep-disordered breathing, and habits (e.g., thumb sucking) that can be addressed.

What’s a common misconception about OMT?

Stacia: You are never too old for OMT.

Jessica: That it is a “quick fix.” But like any physical therapy, it requires, on average, 4 to 12 months of consistent daily practice to build permanent muscle memory.

What’s the most rewarding part of providing OMT?

Stacia: Seeing patients meet and exceed the goals of myofunctional therapy. It is rewarding for me to see both parents and children excited about the progress seen during OMT.

Jessica: Finally identifying and addressing the root cause of several issues. Many patients spend years treating symptoms—like chronic jaw/facial pain, speech impediments, or orthodontic relapse—without success because the underlying muscle dysfunction was never addressed.

What advice would you give parents (or adults) who are unsure if OMT is right for them or their child?‍

‍Stacia: Please come in for an individualized, comprehensive orofacial myofunctional exam to discuss your specific needs, concerns, and goals.

Jessica: Agreed! A formal assessment is the only way to determine if it's the right solution for your specific needs.

In your opinion, what makes GDA different from other practices? ‍

‍Stacia: At GDA, our goal is not only to focus on your oral health but also to improve your overall health in the process.

Jessica: We are well-established in the community and have incredible clinicians who uphold a very high standard of care. That is why I am proud to have called GDA my professional home since 2008.

What’s your favorite part about working at GDA/in the OMT field?

Stacia: My favorite part about working at Just Kids and Gettysburg OMT is being able to improve the overall health of our pediatric patients.

Jessica: My favorite part is all of the people I get to meet and helping them in a myriad of ways, from achieving and maintaining total oral and dental health, along with overall wellness.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Stacia: I enjoy spending time hiking, biking, and boating with my husband of 25 years and our four children.

Jessica: I have three children (ages 17, 13, and 9) who keep me very busy with activities and sports. I also love cooking, watching baseball and football (go PSU and Pittsburgh!), and going to concerts.

Jessica and Stacia Are Here to Care for Your Family

At Gettysburg Dental Associates, we offer comprehensive care for every stage of life—from pediatric dentistry and orthodontics to cosmetic treatments and specialized OMT services. Our whole-family approach ensures each patient receives personalized, coordinated care that supports long-term oral health and overall wellness.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you and your family breathe easier, speak clearly, and sleep more comfortably.

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