Advancing Clinical Excellence in Orofacial Care: The New CRAFTA® Level 1 Program

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, collaboration across disciplines is no longer optional—it’s essential. For physical therapists, dentists, and speech-language pathologists, the management of craniofacial and temporomandibular disorders requires a shared language, advanced clinical reasoning, and hands-on expertise.

That’s where the newly redesigned CRAFTA® Level 1 program comes in.

A Modern Approach to Orofacial & Craniofacial Care

Launching in Fall 2026, the updated CRAFTA® Clinical Series in Temporomandibular & Orofacial Dysfunction and Pain introduces a more flexible, hybrid learning model—without compromising clinical depth or specialization.

Unlike traditional rigid course structures, this program allows clinicians to:

  • Take courses in any order
  • Learn through a blend of online and in-person training
  • Progress at their own professional pace

The result? A highly adaptable pathway to becoming a true specialist in craniofacial therapy


Why This Matters for Your Practice

Whether you’re treating patients with jaw dysfunction, speech impairments, or chronic facial pain, they often present with overlapping symptoms that don’t fit neatly into one discipline.

This program bridges that gap by bringing together professionals from:

  • Physical therapy
  • Dentistry
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Chiropractic and occupational therapy

Through shared learning, you’ll gain insights that directly improve interdisciplinary communication and patient outcomes.


Inside the CRAFTA® Level 1 Clinical Series

The redesigned program consists of three standalone hybrid courses, each targeting a critical area of craniofacial care:

1. CRAFTA 1.1 – Orofacial & Temporomandibular Management

This course builds a strong foundation for understanding the interplay among the TMJ, facial muscles, and the trigeminal system.

You’ll learn to:

  • Differentiate intra-articular vs. myogenous TMD
  • Understand bruxism and otomandibular syndromes
  • Apply manual therapy techniques within a biopsychosocial model

The online portion strengthens your knowledge of:

  • Functional anatomy
  • Pathobiology
  • Regional interconnections

2. CRAFTA 1.2 – Craniofacial Pain Syndromes

Move beyond symptom-based care and develop a deeper clinical reasoning framework.

This course focuses on:

  • Tinnitus
  • Sinus-like symptoms
  • Concussion-related dysfunctions

You’ll explore how developmental anatomy and evolution of the skull influence adult pain patterns—and translate that knowledge into:

  • Precise palpation
  • Movement analysis
  • Targeted treatment strategies

3. CRAFTA 1.3 – Cranial Neuropathies Management

For clinicians managing complex cases, this course dives into cranial nerve dysfunctions and their clinical presentations.

You’ll gain skills to:

  • Recognize patterns of cranial neuropathies
  • Perform detailed assessments
  • Apply manual, sensory, and neurodynamic techniques

The emphasis is on confident, hands-on application, even in the most challenging cases.


A Hybrid Model That Works for Busy Clinicians

Each course combines:

  • Online learning
    • Video lectures
    • Scientific literature
  • In-person training (2 days)
    • Hands-on techniques
    • Clinical reasoning development
    • Peer collaboration and case discussions

This structure ensures you arrive prepared and maximizes your in-person learning experience.


What Sets CRAFTA® Apart?

This isn’t just another continuing education course.

It’s a program designed to:

Equip you to treat complex, multifactorial conditions

Elevate your clinical reasoning

Enhance hands-on diagnostic precision

Foster true interdisciplinary collaboration

In short, it helps you become the kind of clinician patients with chronic orofacial conditions truly need.


Is This Program Right for You?

If you are a:

  • Physical therapist treating head, neck, or TMJ disorders
  • Dentist managing occlusion, bruxism, or facial pain
  • Speech-language pathologist working with orofacial function

…then this program offers a unique opportunity to expand your scope and impact.


Final Thoughts

The future of craniofacial care lies in integration, precision, and collaboration. The new CRAFTA® Level 1 Clinical Series reflects exactly that—providing a flexible, evidence-informed, and clinically rich pathway for professionals ready to elevate their practice. Myopain Seminars is proud to make a difference in bringing courses to the United States that truly elevate clinicians to become true specialists! Your patients will know the difference….

Jan Dommerholt, PT, DPT, President/CEO, Myopain Seminars