Stephan Möhlhenrich appointed Professor of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentist, orthodontist, and oral surgeon Stephan Möhlhenrich has been appointed Professor of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Radboud university medical center / Radboud University. In his future research, he plans to continue projects in the field of digital technologies in orthodontics, and he will work on the application of AI in clinical practice and on genetic risk assessments.

After completing his dental training, Möhlhenrich specialized not only in orthodontics but also in oral surgery. This unique combination of two specialties has been a central theme in his career, in which he has always worked in an interdisciplinary manner. Starting September 1, 2025, Möhlhenrich will move from Germany to Radboudumc. In addition to his clinical duties and teaching, he will also conduct research.

The main focus of his research will be further personalization of treatments in orthodontics, partly through the use of AI. ‘Personalization means tailoring therapies to the needs and genetic characteristics of each patient’, Möhlhenrich explains. ‘With AI, we can detect hidden patterns in patient data, which leads to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions. I’m looking forward to joining the excellent research already underway at Radboudumc, such as in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery led by Stefaan Bergé and the 3D lab of Thomas Maal.’

Möhlhenrich also aims to further stimulate research into personalized genetic testing: ‘Orthodontists are sometimes caught off guard by unfavorable growth spurts—so severe in some cases that only interdisciplinary surgical interventions in adulthood can help. In such cases, you wish you could have predicted the growth trajectory much earlier. I’m convinced that this will be possible in the future.’

Interdisciplinary and clinically oriented

Clinically, Möhlhenrich is particularly interested in interdisciplinary treatment concepts for patients with severe skeletal abnormalities and craniofacial deformities, especially cleft lip, jaw, and palate. ‘Pre- and post-operative care can be decisive for the therapeutic outcome’, says Möhlhenrich. ‘Radboudumc already has a great deal of expertise in this area, which aligns well with my experience.’ Synergies also arise scientifically, for example in existing research areas such as bone and tissue regeneration in the facial region. Möhlhenrich has studied the role of bone and bone substitutes in subsequent orthodontic tooth movement using a newly developed animal model.

One of the reasons Möhlhenrich is coming to Radboudumc is ‘Fit for the Future’, the transition toward a future-proof organization centered on the patient. Within the Center for Oral and Facial Care, various disciplines work closely together. Möhlhenrich: ‘I really value the close proximity and short lines of communication between maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and specialists in special care dentistry. That fosters strong communication and collaboration.’

Möhlhenrich is also enthusiastic about the special training program for orthodontic residents, NEBEOP (Network of Erasmus Based European Orthodontic Postgraduate Programmes). This international program combines patient care, education, and research. ‘The program offers top-level training and is a key part of the department. I look forward to contributing to it and giving it new impulses, as I’ve always greatly enjoyed teaching. I feel privileged to be joining Radboudumc and am eager to build on the department’s strong achievements.’

Career

Stephan Möhlhenrich studied Dentistry in Giessen. He then specialized in both orthodontics and oral surgery at the university hospital in Aachen. He also obtained an MBA in General Management and an MSc in Oral Implantology. Since 2020, he has been Deputy Head of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Witten/Herdecke, where he was appointed Professor in 2022. His professorship at Radboudumc will begin on September 1, 2025, and will run for five years.

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