Studium der Zahnheilkunde an der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, ab 1990 wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, später Oberarzt in der Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik, Westdeutsche Kieferklinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf; 1991 Aufbau der Myoarthropathie-Ambulanz (gemeinsam mit Bernd Kordaß), ab 1996 Leitung; 1992 Hochschulforschungspreis der Bundeszahnärztekammer und 1993 Kemptener Förderpreis der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Funktionsdiagnostik (jeweils gemeinsam mit Bernd Kordaß); 1999 Spezialist für Zahnärztliche Prothetik (DGZPW/DGPro); 2004 apl. Professor; 2006 Spezialist für Funktionsdiagnostik und Funktionstherapie (DGFDT); seit 2011 Schriftleiter der Zeitschrift für Kraniomandibuläre Funktion (Journal of Craniomandibular Function); 2015/16 Kommissarischer Direktor der Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik; seit 2016 Stellv. der Direktorin (Prof. Dr. P. Gierthmühlen) der Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik, Westdeutsche Kieferklinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf

In 1989, completed dental studies in Hamburg, received a scholarship from the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation, and completed overseas internships in Boston (Mass. Gen. Hospital, Harvard) and New York (NYU). Worked as a research assistant at the Polyclinic for Dental Preservation and Preventive Dentistry at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. In 1992, started leading the CMD clinic at the UKE (together with Dr. Jakstat). Conducted experimental research on the prevention of cleft lip and palate during doctoral studies in 1992. Received six conference awards from the German Society for Dental, Oral and Craniomandibular Sciences (DGFDT) between 1996 and 2016. Became a senior physician in 1997. Appointed as the Secretary General of the German Society for Dental, Oral and Craniomandibular Sciences (DGFDT) in 2001. Started teaching responsibilities at the Polyclinic for Dental Preservation and Preventive Dentistry in 2003. Completed habilitation in adhesive technology in 2004 and was appointed as a private lecturer. Founded and directed the CMD Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in 2005. Became an Associate Editor of the Journal of Craniomandibular Function (CMF) in 2008. Received the Alex Motsch Prize for Science from the DGFDT in 2015 and 2016. As of 2017, published over 150 papers and patents, including peer-reviewed articles, 18 guidelines, 2 textbooks in multiple editions, various textbook chapters, developed CMDfact diagnosis software and additional modules with Prof. Jakstat, and presented at numerous continuing education courses and conferences.