Become a leader in one of the most dynamic and interdisciplinary fields in dentistry. The Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction (OPD) profile trains postgraduate students to diagnose and manage complex clinical problems at a specialist level, like:
- Orofacial pain and dysfunction, including temporomandibular disorders
- Dental sleep medicine disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring
- Tooth wear, from diagnosis to minimally invasive restorative rehabilitation
Designed for ambitious clinicians, this program blends cutting‑edge scientific knowledge, hands‑on clinical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare you for the most challenging cases in modern oral health care; now available also in flexible modular options!
Why Choose the OPD Profile?
A Deep, Evidence‑Based Curriculum: across three years, you will engage in six specialized theory blocks covering:
- Temporomandibular Disorders
- Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction
- Oral Movement Disorders
- Tooth Wear
- Dental Sleep Medicine
- Externship Medical Specializations
You will also follow core Oral Health Sciences modules in epidemiology, statistics, pharmacology, and CBCT radiology, ensuring a strong scientific foundation.
Intensive Clinical Training from Day One
Your clinical journey begins in the first year with guided observation, followed by supervised patient care and, ultimately, independent management of increasingly complex cases.
- 2/3 of clinical time: Orofacial pain & dysfunction
- 1/3 of clinical time: Tooth wear
- Additional 3rd‑year training: Dental sleep medicine and obstructive sleep apnea
You will work closely with experienced OPD specialists, gaining confidence and competence in a real clinical environment.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
OPD cases often require a team approach. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with:
- Orofacial physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, and other dental disciplines
- Oral & maxillofacial surgeons, neurologists, ENT specialists, and other medical specialist
This exposure prepares you to coordinate or participate in interdisciplinary care—an essential skill for today’s OPD specialist.
Research Training & Academic Growth
Every student participates in an ongoing departmental research project, gaining experience in:
- Protocol development
- Data collection and analysis
- Scientific writing
Your final year culminates in a research presentation and an article suitable for submission to an international peer‑reviewed journal.
Your Future as an OPD Specialist
Graduates are equipped to:
- Diagnose and manage complex OPD, tooth wear, and dental sleep medicine
- Apply a biopsychosocial, patient‑centered approach
- Work in general practice, specialized dental centers, or academic institutions
- Lead or contribute to interdisciplinary care teams
Upon successful completion, you will earn a joint Master’s degree in Oral Health Sciences from the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam. With your portfolio, you may also apply for the Clinical Specialty Certificate in TMD/Orofacial Pain (tandarts‑gnatholoog) issued by the NVGPT.
NEW: Flexible Modular Options Now Available!
Full time or part time programmes: choose the pathway that fits your professional goals: For the academic year 2026-2027 we have two options: a full time 3-years Master (180 EC) covering all the topics on orofacial pain, tooth wear and dental sleep medicine or a part time programme in which you can choose the following modules. It is possible to follow more than one module. The options are:
- Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction – 3 years, 1.5 days/week
- Tooth Wear – 3 years, 1 day/week
- Dental Sleep Medicine – 1 year, 1 day/week
Download the schematic overview here.
A Department with a Strong Legacy
Since 2003, the Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction has been at the forefront of specialist training. The program is led by:
- Dr. Michail Koutris, DDS, MSc, PhD, Orofacial Pain Specialist, Profile Director
- Chryssa Papagianni, DDS, MSc, Orofacial Pain Specialist, MSc in Microinvasive Aesthetic Dentistry at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, Tooth Wear & Restorative Specialist & dr. Peter Wetselaar, DDS, MSc, PhD, Orofacial Pain Specialist, Dental Sleep Medicine Specialist
- Prof. Dr. Ghizlane Aarab, DDS, PhD, Orofacial Pain Specialist, Dental Sleep Medicine Specialist
- Prof. Dr. Frank Lobbezoo, DDS, PhD, Orofacial Pain Specialist, Head of Department
Their combined expertise ensures a rich, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environment.
Take the Next Step in Your Professional Journey
Whether you aim to specialize, expand your clinical capabilities, or contribute to research and education, the OPD profile offers a transformative path.
