VIRTUAL (US)| Level 3 | July 18-19, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This customized, hands-on, immersive course will focus on the development of a complete OPT assessment and treatment plan as part of a comprehensive therapy program Participants will expand their Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)™ knowledge and skills learned from prerequisite TalkTools® courses through in-depth review, extensive discussions and demonstrations.

Guided by a TalkTools® OPT™ Expert Instructor, participants will collaborate together on specialized case studies, applying OPT™ techniques and protocols directly with each other and with case study clients. Discussions will be centered on critical thinking, developing a curious and open mindset, and a client/caregiver-friendly, team-centered approach to speech and feeding therapy.

This course is only available to candidates who have completed the following requirements:

1. Levels™ Training application submission
2. Completion of Level 1 and Level 2 coursework
3. 6 months direct application or immersive observation of  OPT™ techniques in your practice or on your team (depending upon your role) — this includes 3 months in Level 1 + 3 months in Level 2
4. Pre-acceptance interview session with Levels™ Instructor

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes:

1. Integrate advanced OPT™ evaluation and treatment techniques, terms and protocols appropriate for clients with a variety of diagnoses, particularly for those with muscle-based speech and feeding deficits.
2. Apply critical thinking skills when evaluating clients and developing treatment plans.
3. Formulate collaborative protocols, especially when working with providers across disciplines.
4. Arrange supportive and user-friendly carryover/homework plans for clients and their caregivers

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify typical chewing patterns vs. disordered chewing patterns
2. Conduct a differential diagnosis to determine sensory and/or motor deficits affecting mastication
3. Apply techniques to incorporate solid foods
4. Apply 2 strategies to facilitate transition from vertical to rotary chew

Timed Agenda

• TIMED AGENDA LINK

CANDIDATE RESOURCE MATERIALS