Mary Ruma-Smith, BSDH, RDH, COM has 35+ years of professional experience which includes being a registered dental hygienist and a certified orofacial myologist. She is a Colorado native and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene at the University of Colorado-School of Dentistry in 1978. Her interest in Orofacial Myology was initiated in 1977 when she presented a table clinic on the detection of tongue thrust. After spending 30 years in the field of dental hygiene she opened up her Cherry Creek Orofacial Myology practice in 2009. Her focus is providing exceptional patient assessment, treatment and care in the field of Orofacial Myology where she treats incorrect rest postures of the tongue, lips and jaw. Incorrect swallow and functional breathing patterns (i.e. tongue thrust and mouth breathing) are also addressed. Non-nutritive sucking habits such as thumb, finger and pacifier use are also treated by Mary in her scope of practice. Modified, she employs her knowledge of orofacial myology to help eliminate TMJ muscular dysfunction and myofascial pain syndrome as it relates to the parafunctional patterns of clenching and bruxing. An open mouth rest posture, chronic nail biting, lip licking, cheek biting and drooling can all be eliminated through exercises and a behavior modification program developed by Mary at Cherry Creek Orofacial Myology. She is a Christian who is also actively involved in the community as a mentor to at risk youth, donating not only her time but also professional services as needed. She counts family, including her married son and wife, her sisters and brother and their families as one of the many blessings in her life. Her interests include travel, golf, attending sporting events, cooking and entertaining friends. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs.