Maria Pigg

Maria Pigg is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Endodontics at Malmö University's Faculty of Odontology. She serves as Program Director for the International Master in Dental Science (2015-2023, 2026-) and Kompletterade Utbildning för Tandläkare (2022-), and is a board-certified clinical specialist in Endodontics since 2013. Dr. Pigg is licensed to practice dentistry since 1993 and achieved associate professor (docent) status in Endodontics with focus on Orofacial Pain since 2017.

Dr. Pigg's educational background includes:

• Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at Malmö University (2020-2024)
• Dentistry studies at Malmö University (2007-2011)
• Additional Dentistry studies at Malmö University (2005-2013)

Dr. Pigg's primary research interests center on orofacial pain diagnostics, particularly the development of methods to differentiate between inflammatory dental disease and neuropathic pain causes. Her work explores persistent tooth pain that lacks clear odontogenic origin, placebo and nocebo effects in pain diagnostics, risk assessment in dentistry, and psychological aspects of clinical uncertainty. She investigates how dental students can develop better strategies for managing uncertainty in clinical decision-making.

Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on standardizing research methodology in endodontics through the PRIDASE 2024 guidelines for diagnostic accuracy studies and PROBE guidelines for observational studies. Dr. Pigg also conducts significant work on educational approaches to help dental students manage uncertainty, demonstrating her dual expertise in clinical dentistry and dental education. Her research on pain characteristics in root-filled teeth has important implications for clinical practice.

Dr. Pigg has received notable professional recognition:

• President of the Swedish Endodontic Society (2022-present)
• President of the IADR Neuroscience Group (2019)
• Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Journal of Endodontics
• Associate Editor for the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache
• Editorial Committee Member for Tandläkartidningen

As an educator, Dr. Pigg supervises students and dentists at advanced and doctoral levels. She leads significant research projects including 'Validation of Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC-TMD) in children and adolescents' and 'Placebo in orofacial pain diagnosis (POP-Dx)' as part of Malmö University's research profile 'Advancing Oral Health.' Her work with the European Society of Endodontology on developing guidelines for postgraduate education demonstrates her international impact on dental education standards.

Dr. Pigg is an active member of the 'Advancing Oral Health' research environment at Malmö University, which focuses on innovative approaches to improve oral health outcomes through interdisciplinary research. She collaborates extensively with international researchers to advance knowledge in endodontics and orofacial pain management, contributing to global efforts to improve dental care standards and patient outcomes.