A research-backed, mindfulness-based approach to assess & treat infant-toddler tongue & lip ties.

COURSE ENROLLMENT

Dr. Chelsea Pinto, IFP Founder

COURSE ENROLLMENT

It’s time for all care team professionals to confidently update and universalize a new standard of care.

The Infant Frenectomy Protocol advocates for establishing optimal oral motor function and tongue posture early on to support feeding, breathing, sleeping, and speaking habits as babies grow.

 

Let's stand by collaborative & aligned care - avoiding overdiagnosis, overtreatment and overwhelm.

If you are ready to…

  • Embrace updates & build confidence

  • Shift away from outdated concepts and verbiage and, instead, expand upon new thought processes to serve the positive progression of our field

  • Create awareness around and honor normalcies in infant and toddler anatomy and physiology

  • Take ownership over your protocols and provide clear empowering messaging to the families you work with

  • Learn cutting-edge procedural techniques 

  • Uncover ways to promote optimal healing patterns and compliment the body’s unique capabilities

  • Witness the transformation in your patients’ progress and overall well-being

  • Be equipped to meet the needs of each individual child and family

Then don’t miss this opportunity to join the community of passionate, dedicated providers who embrace an authentic and inspiring care approach. 

ENROLL NOW

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

 

MEET DR. CHELSEA PINTO, IFP FOUNDER

Dr. Pinto earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry and completed a postgraduate General Residency Program. She has successfully treated thousands of babies with oral restrictions and proudly provides families with the knowledge to support their child’s oral motor skills, including appropriate therapeutic and feeding support referrals for an individualized and comprehensive approach.


She uses a state-of-the art LightScalpel CO2 laser for a quick, precise and gentle frenectomy procedure. Dr. Pinto also utilizes Photobiomodulation (PBM) - Light Therapy to enhance tissue healing properties, reduce inflammation and increase circulation inside and outside of the mouth to optimize movement patterns, flexibility and comfort for both mother and baby.

Read more about Dr. Pinto's story…

Dr. Pinto earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry and completed a postgraduate General Residency Program. She has successfully treated thousands of babies with oral restrictions and proudly provides families with the knowledge to support their child’s oral motor skills, including appropriate therapeutic and feeding support referrals for an individualized and comprehensive approach.


Dr. Pinto uses a state-of-the art LightScalpel CO2 laser for a quick, precise and gentle frenectomy procedure. She also utilizes Photobiomodulation (PBM) - Light Therapy to enhance tissue healing properties, reduce inflammation and increase circulation inside and outside of the mouth to optimize movement patterns, flexibility and comfort for both mother and baby. More about Dr. Pinto…

LEARN MORE

Finally, A Professional Training Course For ALL Providers

  • Recognize oral motor developmental considerations from birth through toddlerhood under the direction of specialized speech language pathologists
  • Learn about breastfeeding mechanics and support from leading international board certified lactation experts
  • Uncover the impacts of tongue function on eating, breathing, sleeping, speaking, digestion, mood, and craniofacial structures
  • Discuss the impacts of our microbiome, diet and oral stimulation on our orofacial development, airway and overall wellness with a leading functional dentist
  • Discover the impacts of empowering healthcare - explore the importance of the mind-body connection through the eyes of a holistic pediatrician
  • Hear from a pediatric chiropractor and craniosacral fascial therapist to best understand the fascia system and its relationship with our body’s functionality
  • Observe live oral motor and craniosacral fascial therapy sessions
  • Gain insight from therapeutic & surgical laser experts - learn the basics of laser physics including CO2 laser fundamentals and the therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) for patients on a cellular level
  • Listen to candid conversations to dispel tongue tie myths, address the disconnect in the field and talk about the importance of honoring anatomical and physiological normalcies
  • Uncover the transformative shifts during the 4th trimester with a renowned midwife and doula - learn how to best communicate with new parents as they navigate a new world
  • Learn about ankyloglossia inheritance, research and presentation patterns
  • Explore Dr. Pinto’s research-backed, mindfulness-based frenulum assessment protocol to avoid misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of tongue and lip ties
  • Understand the importance of a functional feeding evaluation when making treatment recommendations and a collaborative approach to support diagnosis and outcomes
  • Appreciate how pediatric physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapy services can benefit little ones with various presentations
  • Learn about frenectomy considerations, preparation, stabilization and surgical technique for infants and toddlers - including complex, challenging cases
  • Realize the properties of oral wound healing and how to revolutionize post-operative care guidelines
  • Hear directly from parents and witness the impacts of updated and expanded care

WHAT OTHER PROVIDERS ARE SAYING

Tamara Strouth, DDS

"There aren’t too many CE courses that will change your life, but this course is one of those courses. Dr. Pinto will show you the most up to date infant protocols based on research - with a collaborative and conservative approach. I have taken other infant courses, but Dr. Pinto's down to earth teaching style and support allows you to build the confidence you need to do amazing things for your community."

Meggie Graham, DDS

"Dr. Pinto has, hands down, been the most influential educator in my journey when it comes to treating infants. Rather than a structure only, clip and go mentality she helped connect the dots between structure, function, and body wide tension. She helped me discern what is normal anatomy versus restriction which has been so very important in learning how to help AND not over treat. She taught me the extreme importance of an interdisciplinary, comprehensive approach to treating babies. To be able to have confidence in helping little humans establish optimal function from the start of life is a responsibility and a privilege. Dr. Pinto’s thorough teaching and guidance was career changing."

Mak Wen Chin, DDS (Malaysia)

"I found Dr. Pinto’s course to be exceptionally comprehensive, exceeding all my expectations. I appreciated the holistic exploration of the subject matter, including the latest research and evidence-based practices. What stood out to me the most was her ability to convey complex concepts effectively, even in an online format. Despite the virtual setting, she managed to create a dynamic learning experience and I felt fully engaged throughout the course. The knowledge gained has not only benefited me in my professional life but has also positively impacted the care I provide to my patients. Dr. Chelsea Pinto is an outstanding instructor, and her course has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on my professional development."

Sarah Hornsby, Myofunctional Therapist

"Dr. Chelsea Pinto's teaching style is truly exceptional. She presents unique content with the perfect balance of kindness and passion, intertwined with evidence-based research and clinical experience. Dr. Pinto's passion for babies and whole-body health is obvious, and her real-world insights make the learning experience engaging. She is super sweet and down to earth. I feel fortunate to have learned from such a dedicated and inspiring educator."

Hanne Pellens, DDS (Belgium)

"I had already taken a couple of courses on tethered oral tissues in babies and had 1.5 years of experience in this area before taking Chelsea's course. Her course was very illuminating in many aspects - I learned a lot about 'the normal' and how to reflect critically in deciding when an intervention is recommended or when to look further. I admire her clear teaching style which has great integrity and where you can immediately feel that she’s a wonderful guardian of ethics and child care."

Chelsie Todd, DMD

"Dr. Pinto demonstrates an impressive depth of knowledge and experience in treating infant tongue ties. Her expertise was evident in her ability to explain complex concepts in a way that was accessible and understandable. The course didn't solely focus on technical aspects; I love how Dr. Pinto brought together all the infant providers in different fields for a comprehensive, holistic understanding of the challenges associated with infant tongue ties. The way Dr. Pinto approaches parents and babies is truly inspiring. The positive energy she exudes is palpable, you can visibly see the calming effect she has on parents and babies."


Angie Sage, DDS

"Dr. Pinto’s gentle, collaborative, and comprehensive approach to infant restrictions really resonated with me. I appreciated that she evaluated all potential factors that could impact infant feeding instead of jumping right into a release. The opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable and talented release provider has been invaluable."

Lori Fenner, CST, CLEC

"As an advanced Craniosacral Therapist with specialty training in Peds/OB and a birth worker of almost 40 years, I am "out in the field" providing collaborative care for infants and children with tethered oral tissues. I was drawn to Dr. Pinto’s dedication, commitment to educate and help families, and collaborative care approach. I appreciate her approachable style as an instructor and mentor. The training was very thorough including current evidence-based research, visual charts, cycle of oral dysfunction, intraoral mouth exam, frenectomy procedure, and follow up protocol. I felt well prepared and confident to share with the families I serve after the course. I highly recommend taking Dr. Pinto's expanded IFP course!"


MEET THE IFP EDUCATORS

Anna Gross

MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Julie Matheney

MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC

Dr. David Bradley

DVM, FASLMS

Aqueelah Russell

MBA, IBCLC, LCCE

Dr. Peter Virtuk

PhD, MInstP, CPhys

Lauren Archer

Lactation Specialist, Doula, Birth & Family Photographer

Dr. Staci Whitman

DMD, IFMCP, NMD, IABD

Brittany Cheng

MS, OTR/L

Pete Cousins

CCO at Summus Medical Laser

Chase Smith

Surgical Laser Consultant
LEARN MORE

PRICING

Dentist/Physician - $2,895

(DDS, DMD, MD, ENT)

  • 23 Self-Paced Learning Modules
  • 27 Hours of Video Content (Including 5.5 Hours of Virtual Shadowing)
  • 1 Year Course Access
  • 27 ADA Continuing Education Credits  
  • Downloadable Educational Slides
  • Access to Dr. Pinto’s Exclusive (Release-Provider Only) Mentorship Offerings
  • Copies of Dr. Pinto's Patient Intake Forms, Consent Forms & Marketing Brochures 
  • Course Completion Certificate & IFP Alum Badge
Monthly payments as low as $251/mo

Allied Professionals - $1,495

(IBCLC, OT, PT, DC, SLP, RDH, RN, Myofunctional Therapist, Birthworker)

  • 23 Self-Paced Learning Modules
  • 27 Hours of Video Content (Including 5.5 Hours of Virtual Shadowing)
  • 1 Year Course Access
  • Downloadable Educational Slides 
  • Copies of Dr. Pinto's Patient Intake Forms, Consent Forms & Marketing Brochures
  • Course Completion Certificate & IFP Alum Badge
Monthly payments as low as $130/mo
ENROLL NOW

MODULES & OBJECTIVES

Welcome To Your Journey

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 12 minutes, 54 seconds

  • Show practitioners how to shift away from outdated concepts and verbiage that isn’t serving the positive progression of our field and instead expand upon new thought processes

Anatomy & Normalcies in Presentation

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 39 minutes, 15 seconds

  • Describe normalcies in infant oral anatomy 
  • Identify variations in lingual, labial and buccal frenulum anatomy
  • Illustrate proper tongue positioning and the role in craniofacial development

Ankyloglossia Incidence & Impacts

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 43 minutes, 35 seconds

  • Define what ankyloglossia is and why it occurs
  • Summarize tongue tie inheritance and presentation patterns
  • Interpret impacts of short, inflexible frenula on functional presentations
  • Analyze the rise in tongue tie diagnosis and frenectomy rate
  • Explain how to avoid misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of tongue and lip ties
  • Demonstrate the importance of a collaborative approach to support diagnosis and treatment outcomes
  • Connect anatomy with common tongue tie symptoms 

Oral Motor Development & Impact of Tongue Function on Eating, Speaking & Breathing

Speakers: Anna Gross, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 37 minutes

  • Describe frenectomy “timing” considerations
  • Demonstrate oral motor development and considerations from birth through toddlerhood
  • Explain the impact of the tongue function on eating, speaking and breathing
  • Identify how to best support progress of babies/toddlers and empower parents before and after frenectomy
  • Analyze live therapy sessions with children demonstrating appointment flow, functional evaluation insight, oral motor techniques and feeding support recommendations

Breastfeeding, Bottle & Swallowing Mechanics

Speaker: Julie Matheney, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes

  • Show the anatomy and physiology of infant feeding and oral reflexes
  • Interpret the interaction of oral structures and functions on the physiology of the breastfeeding swallow that impact successful breastfeeding
  • Classify the differences in oral mechanics at the breast versus bottle feeding
  • Identify the symptoms presented in a dyad are linked to oral restrictions or other factors

Assessment Considerations & Classifications Systems

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 2 hours, 4 minutes

  • Describe common tongue tie assessment tools for infants
  • Identify the limitations of classification systems
  • Interpret Dr. Pinto’s research-backed, mindfulness-based frenulum assessment protocols
  • Explain the importance of a functional feeding evaluation when making treatment recommendations

Diagnosis & Care Plan

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 24 minutes, 53 seconds

  • Demonstrate the importance of a collaborative approach to support diagnosis and treatment outcomes
  • Assess anatomical presentations with common tongue tie symptoms
  • Describe frenectomy “timing” considerations

Chiropractic & Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Introduction

Speakers: Dr. Kolleen Gregory, DC, FICPA, Dr. Lauren Brim, PHD, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hours, 39 minutes

  • Show our fascia system and its relationship with our body’s functionality
  • Summarize the differences and overlaps between pediatric craniosacral fascial therapy and chiropractic care
  • Describe how fascia gets injured in babies and signs of injuries
  • Show how to heal fascia injuries and signs of completed treatment
  • Analyze live craniosacral fascial therapy (CSFT) sessions demonstrating appointment flow, structural evaluation, techniques and insights

Pediatric Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy Introduction

Speakers: Brittany Cheng, MS, OTR/L, Dr. Rebecca Toga, PT, DPT & Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 28 minutes, 29 seconds

  • Generalize the differences and overlaps between pediatric physical and occupational therapy
  • Assess how these services can benefit little ones with various structural or functional presentations 
  • Integrate the importance of movement and range of motion in our growth and development

Breastfeeding Considerations & Insight

Speakers: Julie Matheney, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, Aqueelah Russell, MBA, IBCLC, LCCE & Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 5 minutes

  • Summarize breastfeeding physiology
  • Describe when milk production begins, what this process is like and the common concerns of new mothers
  • Identify important considerations regarding each woman’s unique breastfeeding journey

Honoring the Fourth Trimester

Speakers: Lauren Archer, Doula, Lactation Specialist, Abby Vidikin, LM & Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 29 minutes, 19 seconds

  • Explain the fourth trimester and the transformative shifts occurring
  • Decide how to best communicate with new parents as a care team provider while parents navigate a new world

Procedure Considerations & Prep

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 30 minutes, 34 seconds

  • Generalize communication points when reviewing treatment considerations with parents
  • Identify pre and post-procedure room essentials and set-up
  • Illustrate topical paste mindfulness and application process

Procedure Technique, End Point & Frenectomy Videos

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 55 minutes, 3 seconds

  • Show lingual, labial, and buccal frenectomy surgical technique
  • Identify starting and stopping points as well as critical anatomical landmarks for procedure safety and healing optimization
  • Describe the importance and implementation of proper stabilization practices

Wound Healing & Mindful Post-Op Care

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 13 minutes

  • Define the 4 factors that dictate wound healing outcomes
  • Explain why non-aggressive, gentle movement-based wound post-op protocols are so crucial
  • Demonstrate Dr. Pinto’s Bouncy, Standing Stretch 
  • Summarize Properties of Oral Wound Healing

Photobiomodulation - Laser Therapy 101

Speakers: Dr. David Bradley, DVM, FASLMS, Pete Cousins, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 50 minutes

  • Interpret the therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) for patients on a cellular level
  • Describe the various applications and benefits of PBM in Dr. Pinto’s clinical setting
  • Identify the science & physiology related to photobiomodulation (PBM)
  • List dental specific clinical applications & benefits of PBM
  • Interpret the safety & contraindications related to therapeutic lasers
  • Demonstrate best techniques & protocols to achieve optimal clinical results
  • Explain the history and evolution of light therapy
  • Assess the ways health professionals are utilizing PBM in their offices
  • Summarize the most important features that determine optimal use of a laser

Soft Tissue Surgical Lasers 101

Speakers: Dr. Peter Virtuk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys, Chase Smith, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 1 minute

  • Tell the history of CO2 lasers and understand some of the ways providers are incorporating the tool into their practices
  • Describe the learning curve when using a CO2 laser and celebrate the importance of education
  • Interpret the basics of laser physics
  • Analyze types of ablative lasers and properties of each
  • Show CO2 laser fundamentals and components
  • Illustrate the CO2 laser components while observing the laser-tissue interaction up close

Controversy, Mixed Messaging & Social Media Myths

Speakers: Julie Matheney, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 21 minutes

  • Identify how to address the disconnect amongst professionals and parents in regards to tongue and lip tie assessment and treatment
  • Interpret mixed messaging in the media world and the truth behind social media “myths”
  • Explain pertinent research updates supporting tongue tie treatment

Virtual Shadowing with Dr. Pinto

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 4 hours, 23 minutes

  • Analyze live consultations with children demonstrating appointment flow, oral evaluation insight, conversation with parents, treatment recommendations, and frenectomy treatment when indicated

Expectations & Challenging Cases

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 13 minutes

  • Assess possible complex, challenging case presentations
  • Summarize re-release considerations
  • Describe how to avoid/address emergencies

Functional Pediatric Dentistry

Speakers: Dr. Staci Whitman, DMD, IFMCP, NMD, IABD, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 37 minutes

  • Show how and why our jaw and craniofacial structures have changed over the process of human evolution
  • Identify how parents and providers can support jaw development in infancy and toddlerhood
  • Explain the oral/gut microbiome connection and how to optimize oral health with food introduction
  • Summarize the effect of breastfeeding on occlusion patterns

Holistic Pediatrics

Speakers: Dr. Carissa Stanton, MD, Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 1 hour, 18 minutes

  • Define the basis of holistic and functional healthcare
  • Describe the impacts of identifying root cause while treating and evaluating the family as a whole
  • Explain holistic healthcare and the importance in the management of infant tongue tie
  • Analyze the holistic management of various symptoms that may present in the tongue-tied infant​
  • Demonstrate the importance of the mind-body connection and learn the role of vagus nerve function
  • Assess genetic and environmental risk factors for infant tongue tie

Our Office, Space Layout & the Essentials

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 5 minutes, 55 seconds

  • Show how the office environment may influence patient comfort and experience

Closing Remarks

Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Pinto, DDS
Length: 4 minutes, 3 seconds

  • Summarize the information and guidance received in the course
  • Explain the value of becoming a more active advocate for proper care in this field

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IFP Patient Resource eBook

Get it today for free!

There are no commercial sponsors of this program. Modules must be completed within one year for credit. 

This course has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the American Dental Association CERP through a joint partnership with Affordable CE Credits and Chelsea Pinto DDS Inc. Affordable CE Credits is a recognized ADA CERP provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about the CE provider may be directed to the provider at www.AffordableCECredits.com or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/goto/cerp.