THE FACE BEHIND UNCLENCH
I'm Anna Koevoets, a dentist specialized in 'Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction' (NL: tandarts-gnatholoog, BIG-number: 79929027002). My work focuses on patients with orofacial pain, headaches, jaw complaints, tooth wear, and sleep disorders. In addition to my consultations for jaw complaints and pain at Kaakchirurgie Zuidas and Dental Care Utrecht, I'm affiliated with ACTA (Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam), where I conduct research and teach. I also work as a general dentist at Tandartspraktijk C.E. Prinsze.
What drives me is that complaints around the jaw and head and neck area often have a major impact on someone's life. I find it valuable to offer patients evidence-based care with focus on insight and peace of mind – so patients can regain control over their complaints and daily functioning, and improve their quality of life. I also find it inspiring to collaborate with other disciplines, such as physiotherapists, haptotherapists, psychologists, and medical specialists. By combining our expertise, we can provide patients with clarity and guidance from multiple perspectives, and thus unravel the pain puzzle together, step by step.
Differentiated member of NVGPT
In addition, working at
Certified Instructor
"THE CURE OF PAIN
IS IN THE PAIN"
- Rumi
GETTING THE RIGHT CARE
For me, good care goes beyond simply treating a complaint. Making a correct diagnosis and investigating factors that perpetuate symptoms are crucial. Complaints in the head and neck region almost never arise from a single cause, but from a combination of physical, behavioral, and social factors. The nervous system also plays a significant role: when it's in a state of "on" for extended periods, pain can be amplified and perpetuated.
That's why I work according to the biopsychosocial model: I look not only at the complaint, but also at the person behind it. This comprehensive approach is not only my vision, but also central to the 'Dutch guidelines for the treatment of chronic pain'. Open and safe communication is key. Together, we'll explore what you need to understand your symptoms, calm your nervous system, and regain control of your daily life.
Source: Stephen R. Covey
COLLABORATIONS AND MORE
COLLABORATIONS
Sometimes a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. I collaborate with orofacial physiotherapists, haptotherapists, psychologists, oral surgeons, and pain specialists to combine multiple perspectives where necessary. This results in a treatment that focuses not only on symptom management but also on sustainably improving your quality of life. I also participate in the multidisciplinary meeting of the pain clinic at Amsterdam UMC (loc. VUmc). Here, we discuss complex pain cases with pain specialists, neurologists, general practitioners, and psychologists — a valuable way to share knowledge and experience and thus continuously improve care.
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RESEARCH
This study explores the experiences of patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs).
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For more information about my background and work, please refer to my LinkedIn profile.
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