Intraoral massage

Intraoral massage is a type of massage that works inside the mouth to work with cases of TMJ, other jaw pain and disorders.

Hawaii Massage Board — ruling that intraoral massage does fall under the definition of massage. Nov 2, 2016 board meeting notes. (PDF)

WA State – Requires 16 hour CE class to be able to give intraoral massage.

“Intraoral massage” means the manipulation or pressure of soft
11 tissue inside the mouth or oral cavity for therapeutic purposes. RCW 18.108.250 Intraoral massage—Endorsement.

WAC 246-830-490

Intraoral massage education and training.

A massage therapist may perform intraoral massage after completing specific intraoral massage education and training and after receiving an intraoral massage endorsement to their massage therapist license. To qualify for an intraoral massage endorsement a massage therapist must complete the following education and training:(1) Sixteen hours of direct supervised education and training, which must include:(a) Hands-on intraoral massage techniques, cranial anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology;(b) Pathology and contraindications; and(c) Hygienic practices, safety and sanitation. Hygienic practices, safety and sanitation includes, but is not limited to:(i) Gloves must be worn during treatment and training which involves intraoral procedures;(ii) Fresh gloves must be used for every intraoral client or patient contact;(iii) Gloves that have been used for intraoral treatment must not be reused for any other purpose; and(iv) Gloves must not be washed or reused for any purpose. The same pair of gloves must not be used, removed, and reused for the same client or patient at the same visit or for any other purpose.(2) Supervised education and training must be obtained from a massage therapist endorsed in intraoral massage or from an individual who is licensed, certified, or registered and who has performed intraoral massage services within their authorized scope of practice.[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.108.025 (1)(a), 18.108.085 (1)(a), 43.70.041 and chapter 18.108 RCW. WSR 17-14-062, § 246-830-490, filed 6/29/17, effective 7/30/17. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.108 RCW, 2007 c 272. WSR 08-17-001, § 246-830-490, filed 8/6/08, effective 9/6/08.]

The law in WA State for intraoral massage training came about because the language in the scope of practice only allowed massage therapists to work externally and internal body cavity work was not allowed.

New York State allows massage therapists to work in the mouth with no extra training required. NYS does require 1000 hours of education to get a massage therapy license. See NYS Board of Massage Q&A section.

Other states such as Missouri, Oregon, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee,