Dr. Maurits van Selms, oral pain researcher, dies at 51
Tribute to influential oral pain researcher whose ALS-related work shaped the field despite personal diagnosis.
Dr. Maurits K.A. van Selms, a researcher at the section of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction (OPD) at Amsterdam's Academic Centre for Dentistry (ACTA), died on 4 February 2026 at age 51 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He had been affiliated with ACTA for more than thirty years.
Research career despite ALS diagnosis
Van Selms began dental studies at ACTA in 1995 but was diagnosed with ALS in 1998 at age 22, ending his plans to become a practicing dentist. He redirected his efforts toward research and successfully completed his doctorate in 2007 with a thesis on masticatory muscle pain. After his promotion, he remained affiliated with the OPD section, where he published extensively, supervised two doctoral candidates, and mentored numerous bachelor and master students conducting research placements.
Published work and recognition
Between 2009 and 2023, van Selms authored or co-authored eight articles in the Dutch Journal of Dentistry (NTVT). Two of his publications received awards: 'Distinguishing temporomandibular pain from other forms of orofacial pain based on a questionnaire' won the NTVT Debut Prize in 2015, and 'Singing is not associated with jaw complaints' received the NTVT Publication Prize in 2020. His research focus increasingly centered on the relationship between ALS and oral health. His final publication, a personal perspective on this topic, appears in translation in the current NTVT edition as a tribute.
Active engagement until the end
Van Selms remained active in teaching and research throughout his illness, organizing an Ice Bucket Challenge with OPD colleagues to raise funds for the ALS Foundation and taking the initiative to promote the OPD section on LinkedIn. The day before his death, he met with a master's student whose thesis he planned to supervise.
Frequently asked questions
What was Dr. Maurits van Selms' main research focus?
Van Selms conducted research on orofacial pain and dysfunction at ACTA's OPD section. His work increasingly focused on the relationship between ALS and oral health, publishing his personal perspective on this topic in his final publication.
When did van Selms receive his doctorate?
Van Selms completed his doctorate in 2007 with a thesis on masticatory muscle pain, despite having been diagnosed with ALS in 1998 at age 22, which prevented him from becoming a practicing dentist.
Which of van Selms' papers won NTVT prizes?
His 2015 article 'Distinguishing temporomandibular pain from other forms of orofacial pain based on a questionnaire' won the NTVT Debut Prize, and his 2020 article 'Singing is not associated with jaw complaints' won the NTVT Publication Prize.
How long was van Selms affiliated with ACTA?
Van Selms began his dental studies at ACTA in 1995 and remained affiliated with the institution for more than thirty years until his death on 4 February 2026.
