Orofacial Motricity: From the Emergence of a Field to the Path Toward Global Terminology Standardization

Background: The consolidation of specialized fields in health care requires not only scientific evidence and clinical refinement, but also clearly defined scope, competencies, and language, since terminological ambiguity increases overlap and hinders communication, comparability, education, and the organization of care. In this context, Orofacial Motricity was first recognized in Brazil as a field of practice, supported by institutional milestones that have defined its scope, standardized its terminology, and updated professional competencies. Furthermore, it has been consistently adopted in Latin American and European countries (e.g., Peru, Chile, and Portugal). In English-speaking countries, professionals working with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) are often organized under the designation Orofacial Myology, within diverse institutional and educational frameworks. Methods: This manuscript was developed as a non-institutional position paper based on structured reports from international collaborators, a documentary review of institutional and regulatory sources, and an exploratory terminological survey of databases. Results: Heterogeneity was observed in the use and conceptual level of these designations across countries and institutions, with more frequent convergence at the level of clinical condition and intervention (OMDs/OMT) than at the level of field or area. Conclusion: Clarifying the distinction among field/area, clinical condition, and therapeutic intervention may reduce ambiguities and foster scientific and educational comparability in the international context.