Functional & Aesthetic Dentistry Congress

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).

Orofacial pain specialist and Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Founder and Director of the Orofacial Pain Center at the University of Kentucky (established 1977), recognized as a pioneer in TMD and orofacial pain education.

Over 50 years of academic and clinical experience in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain management. Developed the first Master of Science Degree program in Orofacial Pain in the United States, accredited by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. The Orofacial Pain Residency Program was among the first accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, graduating 65 full-time residents from 26 countries.

Professor and Chief of the Division of Orofacial Pain, full-time faculty member at the University of Kentucky for 45 years. International lecturer having delivered over 1,300 invited lectures in every state in the USA and 59 foreign countries. Recognized as the "World Ambassador for Orofacial Pain" by peers.

DMD from University of Kentucky (1974). Provost's Distinguished Service Professor. Author of the textbook "Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion" (8th edition), translated into 11 languages and used in the majority of US dental schools. Editor of "Orofacial Pain: Guidelines for Classification, Assessment, and Management" (AAOP), used as treatment standards worldwide. Over 240 publications in scientific journals. Past President of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. Founding Diplomate and twice Past President of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. Recipient of University of Kentucky Great Teacher Award, State of Kentucky Acorn Award, International Dentist of the Year Award from Academy of Dentistry International, and inducted into University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Certified Master Dental Technician (MDT) specializing in dental color science, shade matching, and aesthetic ceramics. Independent researcher and consultant in computational color science for dental applications. Inventor of the eLAB shade matching system, the first software in dentistry to deliver patient-specific mixing recipes for ceramic materials.

Over 25 years of experience as German-trained dental technician working across Europe, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. Expert in all aspects of tooth color appearance from both practical and scientific perspectives. Known for bridging advanced color science with practical dental laboratory applications to improve predictability in aesthetic restorations.

Member of the Oral Design Group (inducted 2007 by founder Willi Geller) and Bio-Emulation group (inducted 2012). Editorial Board Member of German Quintessence of Dental Technology (since 2011). International lecturer since 2009, having delivered hundreds of courses and lectures globally on dental aesthetics, color science, and ceramic materials. Developer of visual_eyes liquid and fluor_eyes flash system for fluorescent dental photography. Author of numerous publications including contributions to QDT Yearbook (2009, 2011) and peer-reviewed articles in dental technology journals.

Trained as Dental Technician in Germany (graduated 1997). Master School in Freiburg, Germany, graduating top of class and winning silver in the annual Kanter Award Competition (2004/05), which recognizes Germany's top three Master School students. Advanced training in dental ceramics with Masahiro Kuwata in Tokyo, Japan (2001). PhD in Color Science from University of Leeds, School of Design, under Professor Stephen Westland, focusing on computational color science applications in dentistry. Recent publications include work on bridging instrumental and visual perception in dental shade matching published in peer-reviewed journals (2024).

Founder and Chief Doctor of COLDY DENT Functional Atelier, Sofia, Bulgaria. Leading Bulgarian specialist in functional dental medicine and neuromuscular dentistry. Expert in comprehensive treatment of complex dental conditions affecting aesthetics, speech, chewing, breathing, and jaw position. Third generation doctor and the first in his family to specialize in dental medicine.

Over 18 years of clinical experience in functional dentistry and orthodontics. Expert in functional orthodontics, Prof. Rudolf Slaviček philosophy and protocols, lingual orthodontics (certified specialist by Orthodontics Department at Daegu University, South Korea), myofunctional appliances, orthodontics with micro-implants, and treatment of difficult and unusual malocclusions. Specialist in comprehensive functional diagnostics and treatment following Slaviček protocols including TMJ analysis, muscle function evaluation, and occlusal relationships. Known for holistic approaches to severe dental cases with both aesthetic and functional problems.

Youngest instructor in Bulgaria certified in Prof. Rudolf Slaviček philosophy after specialized training at the Slaviček Institute in Vienna (VieSID). International lecturer presenting at conferences throughout Europe and Middle East on functional orthodontics and comprehensive dental treatment. Educator conducting training courses for dentists in Bulgaria. Specialized training completed in South Korea (Daegu University Orthodontics Department for lingual orthodontics and micro-implants), Austria (Slaviček Institute Vienna for functional diagnostics), Colombia (Bogota Dental Medicine University for functional orthodontics), and Luxembourg (training in difficult malocclusion treatment with Wick Alexander Discipline). Lecturer at international dental conferences in Dubai and other venues.

DDS from Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria. Specialized training in Lingual Orthodontics from Daegu University, South Korea. Certification in Myofunctional Orthodontics.