Neuroplasticity as a new concept in rehabilitation of oral function and pain

Professor and Head of Section for Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function at the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Denmark (full professor since 2001). Clinical Professor at Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore (since 2020). Specialist in orofacial pain with research practice focusing on pain mechanisms, neuroplasticity, and temporomandibular disorders.

Over 35 years of combined clinical, teaching, and research experience in orofacial pain and jaw function. Pioneer in the field of neuro-odontology from a physiological perspective. Research focuses on peripheral and central orofacial pain mechanisms, neuroplasticity, trigeminal motor physiology, brain imaging applications in TMD, adaptive capacity of the stomatognathic system, and psychophysical assessment of jaw muscle and temporomandibular joint pain. Expert in sensory-motor integration, effects of occlusal changes on brain structure and function, and systematic rehabilitation of oral function.

One of the world's most prolific researchers in orofacial pain with 453 papers published in peer-reviewed international journals, 58 book chapters and published proceedings, 15 papers in national journals, and 18 editorials. Co-founder and Steering Committee Member of Scandinavian Center for Orofacial Neurosciences (SCON, 2014), a collaborative research center between Aarhus University, Karolinska Institutet, and Malmö University. Past President of Special Interest Group on Orofacial Pain, International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP, 2008-2010). Past President of International Consortium of Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), International Association for Dental Research (IADR, 2010-2012). Member of IASP Classification Task Force (2014-2018) and Scientific Program Committee (2017-2018). Co-author of recent publications on jaw muscle and joint psychophysics in clinical orofacial pain practice (2025). International keynote speaker presenting worldwide on topics including neuroplasticity in oral rehabilitation, vertical dimension management, bruxism-pain relationships, and evidence-based approaches to TMD management.

DDS from Aarhus University, Denmark. PhD in Orofacial Pain and Function from Aarhus University (2000). Full Professor appointment at Aarhus University (2001).