Are you tired of seeing patients with thumb and finger sucking habits and having no idea what to do?
You need evidence-based programs with the exact tools and skills to assess and treat patients....
Let Me Show You How!I get it!
You’re a confident and experienced clinician.
But when you have a child in front of you with a thumb or finger sucking habit....
You stop in your tracks.......
“What if I give the wrong advice?
“What if I try a program with them and it doesn’t work?”
“What if this is just beyond what I can do?”
" I just don't know enough about this."
So you give some vague suggestions, maybe a few Dr Google recommendations and send them on their way.
Or worse.....
You give a referral for to the Orthodontist for a plate, crib or rake.
Not that you wanted to......but what else is there to do?
It’s not like you learnt this at university.
It’s awful, but I completely understand.
Because once upon a time, I was just like you.......
Hi, I'm Carla....
I'm a Registered Dental Hygienist of 21-plus years and once upon a time....
I was just like you.
I wanted to be the best preventative healthcare professional I could be...
But I just couldn't help my patients....
I didn't have the skills or knowledge...
And I didn't even know where to start....

My journey began with my eldest daughter.....
She was an avid thumb sucker and I wasn't too worried about it at first...but as she got older, I began to notice that when she closed her back teeth, her front teeth didn’t meet.
Her speech sounds weren't right...she would thrust her tongue into the open gap between her teeth to pronounce her “s” sound, lisping. As her upper jaw was protruding, she began to mouth breath when her thumb wasn’t in, and she was a messy eater.
It was clear to me that this was a bigger issue than just crooked teeth.
We tried everything (and I mean everything!!) but nothing worked!!
I asked dental and speech colleagues but they shrugged...besides the Dr Google stuff, hand cages or a spikey plate, they didn't really know either....
The American Dental Association recommends children stop oral habits by age 4....but what if they don't?
.....most dental professionals have little to no training in this area.
Me included!
In 2010 I began to to treat kids with oral habits in my dedicated practice, Thumbsucking Clinic in Queensland, Australia.
The results were astounding.
Not only did we see kids quit their habits, but their mouths completely changed!
I consistently documented their progress and in 2015, I teamed up with James Cook University to co-publish a paper in The International Dental Journal, which showed the efficacy of my program in ceasing oral habits AND its success in closing open-bite and over-jet.
Through clinical experience, I’ve developed different techniques and assessment tools to enhance the Thumbsucking Professionals assessment protocol and program and help kids successfully change their habits forever.....
Show me the training!
Non-orthodontic and evidence-based programs to treat oral habits...
In my collaboration with James Cook University, our paper showed that not only did our programs successfully stop thumb and finger sucking in 89% of patients, there was also a significant decrease in anterior open-bite and over-jet after 3 months of treatment.

Course Modules
Module 1 - Deep Dive into Non-Nutritive Sucking Behaviours.
We explore the oral and physical consequences of these habits and examine the research and evidence surrounding the current trends and various solutions currently on offer.
Module 2 - The TSP Physiological Paradigm.
Here we explore the rarely-discussed physiological issues surrounding oral habits and the unique paradigm that supports the TSP assessment, treatment and referral protocols.
Module 3- The TSP Psychological Paradigm.
Here we explore the psychological contributors to oral habits, including developmental issues and the research and evidence supporting the TSP assessment, treatment and referral protocols.
Module 4 - From Phone Call to Paperwork.
Learn how to confidently implement new patient intakes with your team from front desk all the way through to clinical staff.
Module 5 - Assessment and Treatment Planning the TSP way.
Learn how to assess and screen your patients for suitability for the TSP program and how to work in an interdisciplinary team for ultimate patient care.
Module 6 - Implementing the TSP Program -
learn our flagship program in depth from start to finish!
Module 7 - Pacifiers and Kids under 5.
Understand the importance of early oral milestones and learn tips, tricks and screening tools to help children grow out of their problems naturally.
Module 8 - Case Studies and Trouble Shooting.
See real life cases and cases studies and go through the dos, don'ts and how to handles with us as we look at every scenario you're likely to encounter in your case load.
See what our previous students say about the course....

Not sure if my program is right for you?
Organise a Discover Call to find out more


Jennie Tylee-Porter
OHT and Dental Practice Owner
Parkside Dental, Dubbo, NSW
"Carla’s course exceeded my expectations.
Carla has created training programs that arm you with the knowledge you will need to confidently start help your patients.
Her online training program covers almost every situation you may face.
The program is set at a pace that is quite achievable while working full time.
I feel this investment into my clinical education was worth every cent as it's helping to change so many families' lives...."
Thumbsucking Professionals Clinical Training Course
BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW
Thank you so much! The course is so informative! This is such a great service that you are providing!
Dr Katherine Bracy
Pediatric Dentist, Nanuet, NY

“This course is amazing!!! Carla is so passionate about helping patients quit these habits. The knowledge I have gained has made me confident to guide my thumb sucking patients with treatment options. And you're not on your own with ongoing mentorship. I highly recommend this program”
Tania Haddon
OHT, Ballarat, Vic
How Long Does the Course Take To Complete?
How long do I need to spend on the course each week?
What Does The Course Include?
What if I'm not a Health professional?
Do you have payment plans available?
What happens after the course is finished?
I'm still not sure if this is for me. Can I speak to someone in person?

I have just finished your course and I absolutely loved it! It was worth every cent
Jaimee Stakelum
Happy Faces Orofacial Myology

“Carla has a true gift for teaching, empowering, and engaging other professionals in Carla's skill set. I am so excited to be a part of this journey and implement this program in my practice!! "
Dr Elizabeth Pfohl
Specialist Pediatric Dentist
Apply to become a Thumbsucking Professional in 2022
Each application will be assessed by our team and applicants will be contacted to confirm further details and final acceptance.
If your application is not accepted, we will refund your payment in full.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is for university educated dental and speech professionals only.
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