52: Changing the Nervous System, Not Just the Tongue with Dana Lopez

In this episode of The MyoHacker Podcast, Dana Lopez from Inspiration Myo shares her journey from dental hygiene into myofunctional therapy and how her clinical approach expanded to include the nervous system, development, airway, and the whole person. We talk about what happens when a protocol isn’t enough and why providers need both solid training and the confidence to adapt care to the person in front of them.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why myofunctional therapy is about more than tongue exercises
• How the nervous system, development, and oral function connect
• When to move beyond a standard protocol and trust your clinical reasoning

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana Lopez and her journey
02:56 The shift from dental hygiene to myofunctional therapy
04:11 Recognizing early signs and seeking specialist help
05:17 The importance of proper post-op care and training
07:42 Observing developmental signs and connecting the dots
08:09 Supporting children with myofunctional therapy and orthodontics
10:19 The broader health implications of oral and airway health
11:31 Encouragement for hygienists and providers to speak up
13:01 Changing the nervous system, not just the tongue
16:55 Why Dana chose to join the MyoHacker cohort
19:43 The value of a holistic, big-picture perspective

Connect with Dayna: 

• https://www.inspiration-myo.com/
• Instagram  |  @inspirationmyo   

Connect with Karindy:   

• https://www.myohackerslp.com/
• Instagram  |  @Myohackerslp 
• YouTube  |  @theMyohackerPodcast  

Credits: 

The Myohacker Podcast is hosted by Karindy Ong, MA, CCC-SLP and edited by Allison Massengale. Song “Better Sweater” performed by Desert Dive, licensed via Soundstripe. Content ID: DFKYWEZIUCTMMH0L

Disclaimer:  

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your care.