Interpreting Oral Phase Signals That Shape Swallow Performance: What Clinicians Need to Know
This dysphagia continuing education course challenges traditional swallow assessment by redefining texture modification as a source of oral sensory input, not only a safety strategy. Learn how sensory stimulation in the oral phase influences pharyngeal swallow timing, efficiency, and swallow readiness, and why modified diets may under-stimulate the swallowing system. Using case-based examples and a practical clinical framework, clinicians will learn how to identify under-loaded swallows and apply functional textures to support safer, more effective swallowing in acute care and rehabilitation settings.
Presented by: Reval Barewal, DDS, MS, Dipl, ABDSM
Audience: Undergraduate, graduate students, Clinical Fellows, experienced clinicians, clinicians who would like to transition from school-based SLP to medical-based SLP.
This webinar is free thanks to the sponsorship support from Savorease!
This webinar will challenge traditional swallow assessment paradigms by introducing texture as a neural signal, not just as a recommended safety level. Participants will explore how oral sensory engagement affects pharyngeal swallow timing, efficiency, and readiness. We will review why modified diets often under-stimulate the swallow, and how to use functional textures to change oral activity and impact how the swallow performs. Rather than viewing texture simply through a safety lens, this session introduces texture as a modifiable tactile input that can be used intentionally to influence swallow behavior. Through case examples and a clinical framework, attendees will learn how to interpret oral-phase signals, recognize when the system appears under-loaded, and apply functional textures appropriately in acute care and rehabilitation settings.
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the role of oral sensory input in modulation of pharyngeal swallow timing and efficiency.
2. Distinguish between texture classification for safety and texture as a sensory signal relevant to swallow readiness.
3. Apply evidence-informed strategies for introducing functional textures early on to support swallow performance without increasing aspiration risk.
This webinar is approximately 60 minutes in length. This is a recording of a live webinar.
This webinar is offered for Professional Development Hours (PDHs), previously Certification Maintenance Hours (CMHs). For more info: https://www.asha.org/certification/factdef/.
Certificate of completion available for download at the completion of the webinar
Presenter:
Dr. Reva Barewal is a prosthodontist, clinical researcher, and founder of Savorease Therapeutic Foods (www.savorease.com). Her translational research bridges fields of oral motor science, food science, and dysphagia science. Dr. Barewal’s current work focuses on redefining the oral phase in swallow rehabilitation and advancing the emerging field of texture as medicine. She has served as an Assistant Professor at Oregon Health and Science University in both the School of Dentistry and School of Medicine, and has over two decades of experience in oral rehabilitation for medically complex patients.
Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Barewal is the founder of Savorease Therapeutic Foods, which develops texture-modified foods designed for dysphagia management.
Non-financial: Dr. Barewal serves as a voluntary member on IDDSI USTIRG board related to education.
