Published on by Top Teachers

Innovative Research Award

Montserrat Casals
Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Andes (Universidad de los Andes), Chile
Montserrat Casals
Affiliation University of the Andes
Country Chile
Google Scholar 4uKxLXoAAAAJ
Documents 3
Citations 7
h-index 2
Subject Area Dentistry
Event Top Teachers Awards
Scopus ID 60796979400

Dr. Montserrat Casals is a Chilean dentist, academic researcher, and specialist in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain. She serves as Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of the Andes. Her scholarly work integrates pain neuroscience, rehabilitation, self-management, telehealth, sleep-related research, patient education, and evidence-based interdisciplinary approaches to chronic pain care. Her academic profile demonstrates a sustained commitment to translating scientific knowledge into patient-centered interventions and clinical practice innovations.[1][2]

Abstract

This article reviews the academic, clinical, and research contributions of Dr. Montserrat Casals in the field of dentistry, with particular emphasis on temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain, chronic pain rehabilitation, telehealth, and patient-centered knowledge translation. Her work spans clinical research, interdisciplinary collaboration, educational innovation, and development of self-management strategies aimed at improving outcomes for individuals living with persistent pain conditions. Published studies and ongoing projects indicate a consistent focus on non-invasive treatment approaches, digital health interventions, and evidence-informed patient education.[3][4]

Keywords

Temporomandibular disorders; Orofacial pain; Chronic pain; Pain neuroscience; Rehabilitation; Telehealth; Self-care; Knowledge translation; Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis; Dentistry; Patient education; Clinical research.

Introduction

The management of temporomandibular disorders and chronic orofacial pain increasingly requires integration of biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Dr. Montserrat Casals has contributed to this evolving framework through research and clinical activities focused on rehabilitation, self-regulation, pain education, and interdisciplinary care. Her academic training includes a DDS degree, specialist training in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, a diploma in higher education, and an MSc in Research and Innovation in Clinical Dentistry. These qualifications support a professional profile combining clinical expertise with research-oriented innovation.[1][2]

Research Profile

Her research agenda encompasses temporomandibular disorders, chronic musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, pain neuroscience, telehealth, sleep-related disorders, self-care interventions, rehabilitation science, patient education, and knowledge translation. Research collaborations involve institutions and investigators from Chile and abroad, including participation in multidisciplinary projects addressing persistent pain and rehabilitation outcomes.[3][4]

  • Temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain
  • Pain neuroscience and neurorehabilitation
  • Chronic pain self-management
  • TMJ osteoarthritis
  • Telehealth and digital interventions
  • Sleep-related pain research
  • Patient education and knowledge translation

Research Contributions

Documented investigations include more than fourteen completed and ongoing projects spanning multicenter clinical research, systematic reviews, telehealth interventions, chronic pain rehabilitation, osteoarthritis management, and educational initiatives. Particular attention has been directed toward validating online self-regulation protocols for chronic orofacial pain and improving access to evidence-based care through digital delivery models.[3]

  1. Self Physical Regulation Online Protocol Validation in Chronic Orofacial Pain.
  2. Self-Care Intervention in Chronic Temporomandibular Pain.
  3. Non-invasive management of TMJ osteoarthritis.
  4. Primary-care management of temporomandibular disorders.
  5. Telehealth applications in TMD and orofacial pain.
  6. Biomarkers associated with early TMJ osteoarthritis.
  7. Yoga therapy and rehabilitation approaches.
  8. Sleep-related TMD research.
  9. Patient education and knowledge translation initiatives.
  10. Interdisciplinary management of chronic pain conditions.

Publications

Dr. Montserrat Casals has contributed to research on temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain, and TMJ osteoarthritis through peer-reviewed publications. Her studies report outcomes of non-invasive therapies, primary-care management strategies, and rehabilitation approaches, supporting evidence-based clinical practice in dentistry and chronic pain management.[3][4][5]

  • Moncada G, Valdés C, Casals MJ, et al. (2021). Cambios clínicos e imagenológicos en terapias no invasivas en articulaciones temporomandibulares con alteraciones óseas degenerativas. International Journal of Odontostomatology, 15(3), 712–718. DOI: 10.4067/S0718-381X2021000300712.
  • Penlington C, Palmer J, Martinez-Telchi D, Durham J, Valentine TL, Casals MJ, Oyarzo JF. (2024). Presentation and primary care management of temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 51(2), 241–246. DOI: 10.1111/joor.13587.
  • Paucar Toribio E, Garrido Díaz M, Casals Soderlund M. (2026). Manejo ortodóncico en pacientes con trastorno del espectro autista. Revista de Odontopediatría Latinoamericana, 16. DOI: 10.47990/2st64s21.
  • Moncada G, Valdés C, Casals M, et al. (2026). Clinical and imaging outcomes following non-invasive management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 16(5), 101507. DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101507.

Research Impact

The research profile demonstrates a translational approach linking clinical investigation, pain neuroscience, patient self-management, rehabilitation, and digital health. Her work contributes to contemporary understanding of non-invasive treatment pathways for temporomandibular disorders and supports the development of patient-centered educational resources. The ReFrame Your Pain initiative further exemplifies efforts to bridge scientific evidence and public health communication through accessible educational strategies.[3][5]

Award Suitability

Dr. Montserrat Casals’ body of work aligns closely with the objectives commonly associated with an Innovative Research Award. Her contributions emphasize evidence-based innovation in chronic pain management, telehealth, rehabilitation, and patient education. Research activities have focused on developing practical, scalable interventions that translate scientific knowledge into real-world clinical applications. Particular strengths include online self-regulation programs, non-invasive management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, interdisciplinary rehabilitation, and patient-focused knowledge translation initiatives.[3][4][5]

Recommended Citation:
Dr. Montserrat Casals — Innovative Research Award. For contributions to temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain research, with particular emphasis on non-invasive clinical management, pain neuroscience, self-regulation, patient-centered care, digital health, rehabilitation, and innovative knowledge-translation approaches for people living with persistent and chronic pain.

Conclusion

Montserrat Casals has established a scholarly profile centered on temporomandibular disorders, chronic pain, rehabilitation, and evidence-based patient education. Through academic leadership, clinical research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge translation initiatives, she has contributed to advancing understanding of chronic orofacial pain management and innovative models of patient support. Her work illustrates the growing importance of integrating clinical science, digital health, and patient empowerment within modern dentistry and rehabilitation research.[1][5]

References

  1. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Scholar profile: Montserrat Casals (User ID: 4uKxLXoAAAAJ). https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=4uKxLXoAAAAJ
  2. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Montserrat Casals, Author ID 60796979400. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60796979400
  3. Moncada, G., Valdés, C., Casals, M., et al. (2021). Cambios clínicos e imagenológicos en terapias no invasivas en articulaciones temporomandibulares con alteraciones óseas degenerativas. International Journal of Odontostomatology, 15(3), 712–718. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-381X2021000300712
  4. Penlington, C., Palmer, J., Martinez-Telchi, D., Durham, J., Valentine, T. L., Casals, M., & Oyarzo, J. F. (2024). Presentation and primary care management of temporomandibular disorders: A survey of primary care dentists in Santiago and Newcastle. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 51(2), 241–246. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13587
  5. Moncada, G., Valdés, C., Casals, M., Marholz, C., Ramirez, V., Vallejos, F., et al. (2026). Clinical and imaging outcomes following non-invasive management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: An exploratory retrospective cohort study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 16(5), 101507. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101507
Montserrat Casals | Dentistry | Innovative Research Award

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