2026 Annual Conference: Development of Cranium and Face: Newborn to Adulthood

  • June 04, 2026
  • June 07, 2026
  • Hyatt Regency Indianapolis One South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:
  • Available once the application for assistance is approved.
  • Prerequisite Required
  • Prerequisite Required

Register

2026 Annual Conference

Development of Cranium and Face:
Newborn to Adulthood
June 4–7, 2026 · Indianapolis, IN

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Event Information

Date
June 4–7, 2026
Location
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Prerequisite Required:
Successful completion of an OCA approved 40-hour Introductory Course: Osteopathy in the Cranial Field. Registrants who do not meet this requirement will be refunded.

Registration & Fees

Category Before May 7 After May 7
Member $1148 $1248
Resident/Student $798 $848
Non-Member $1508 $1608
Retired Member $798 $848

Registration fee includes: lectures, labs, Friday lunch, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner banquet. Meal tickets included with the registration fee are not refundable. There is no discount for persons not wishing to attend food functions.

Printed conference materials are available during registration for $45.00. A digital copy will be available for free to download. 

Registration closes on May 24, 2026.

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Ensure you meet the prerequisite prior to registering.

Tuition Assistance

Due to the generosity of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy Foundation (OCAF), a grant is available to support a limited number of first come first serve $399 Tuition Assistance applied towards the registration for students, residents, and early entry physicians if qualified.  If there are any questions or if you are interested, please submit a tuition assistance request form.

Thank you OCAF!

What You Will Learn

  • Understand cranial and facial development across the lifespan.
  • Evaluate dental occlusion and TMJ function.
  • Identify cranial strain patterns and compensations.
  • Integrate osteopathic palpatory findings into treatment plans.
  • Recognize when referral to myofunctional therapy is indicated.

Hotel Information

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Conference rate: $229/night plus tax

Rooms will be available at the group rate until 3:00 pm EST May 13, 2026 or until the block is sold whichever occurs first.  On or after May 13, 2026, reservation requests will be confirmed on a space available basis.


Reserve a Room 


Curriculum

Conference Director: Dr. Tasha Turzo, DO, FCA
Assistant Conference Director: Josh Krembs, DO

Watch Video Introduction

The 2026 OCA Annual Conference will explore the anatomical structures and functional systems that shape the human face across the lifespan. We will examine how these functions influence dental occlusion, cranial motion, and overall craniofacial harmony.  Attendees will also review the embryologic forces that drive growth and development from newborn through adulthood, gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamic changes that occur throughout each phase of life.

A focused study of intraoral function, dental occlusion, and their interdependent relationships with cranial motion will further enrich the learning experience. Hands-on labs will offer practical, clinically relevant skills to support effective evaluation and treatment of craniofacial dysfunctions.

View Schedule

The goals of this conference are:

  • To understand the clinical importance of occipital condylar compression on facial growth and airway development.
  • To learn how to evaluate facial functions
  • To learn how to assess tongue function in newborns and infants.
  • To study the embryological development of the face and ways to treat it from a biodynamic perspective.
  • To understand the impact of the TMJ on facial function and learn how to evaluate and treat it.
  • To learn how to assess facial growth in children to identify early intervention needs.
  • To explore the connection between cranial osteopathy and dentistry.
  • To learn how to evaluate dental occlusion and identify cranial dental interference.
  • To learn how to determine who requires a referral to a myofunctional therapist or a functional dentist.
  • An Introduction to dental appliances and their compatibility with osteopathic cranial principles.
  • To understand the link between TMJ and chronic illnesses.

CME

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. The Osteopathic Cranial Academy has designated this activity for a maximum of 21.25 AOA Category 1-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.   This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Event Policies

The OCA remains committed to advancing our mission, upholding our vision statements and preserving our core values.

1) No personal taping is permitted.

2) The Osteopathic Cranial Academy teaches the application of cranial osteopathic concepts to DOs, MDs, and DDSs. It is the responsibility of ALL participants to use the information provided within the scope of their professional license.

3) In consideration for those participants with sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or strongly scented toiletries.


Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing at the office of The Osteopathic Cranial Academy on or before 21 days prior to the first day of the course, Thursday, May 14, 2026, and are subject to a 15% administrative processing fee. Cancellation fees are charged due to fixed costs per person already incurred by OCA. Refunds will not be made for cancellations after this date or for failure to attend.

Liability Release

Participation in this program will involve physical activity, including contact by and with instructors and other participants. This, and particularly activity involving physical diagnostics and manual therapeutics, could possibly entail risks for participants of new injury or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

By applying to participate, the applicant acknowledges and assumes the risk associated with participating in the laboratory sessions and agrees to hold The Osteopathic Cranial Academy and fellow participants harmless indemnify, defend and free of liability from and against any damage or personal injury that might occur during or as a result of participation in this program. Furthermore, the applicant covenants to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend The Osteopathic Cranial Academy from and against any use or misuse that applicant may make at any time of any knowledge or information that applicant derives from participation in this program. The applicant should carry adequate liability insurance which would be activated in the instance of the use or misuse of this knowledge or information. Participants in the course are examined and treated by instructors following the course in case any problems arise from treatment by fellow students.