Dr. Hedwig van der Meer is a physiotherapist (2011, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences [HvA]) and clinical health scientist (2013, Utrecht University), with a specialization in Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction and headache disorders. In 2022, she successfully defended her PhD thesis at the University of Amsterdam's Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA). Her ongoing research at ACTA focuses on orofacial pain and headaches, with a particular emphasis on interprofessional collaboration between physiotherapists and dentists.
In addition to her research, Dr. van der Meer actively practices as an orofacial physiotherapist at ACTA's Clinic for Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction since 2020, where she is a vital member of a multidisciplinary team treating patients with complex orofacial pain conditions. Furthermore, in 2021, she contributed to the development of the new Master Program in Orofacial Physical Therapy at the SOMT University of Physiotherapy and currently serves as the head of this program as well as one of the core lecturers.