Dr. Ilser Turkyilmaz is an accomplished dental professional with a career defined by academic rigor, pioneering research and clinical expertise. After earning his dental degree and PhD in Prosthodontics from Hacettepe University in Turkey, he expanded his research by collaborating with Goteborg University in Sweden and completing an implant prosthodontics fellowship at Ohio State University.
His expertise in biomaterials and implant dentistry has positioned him as a leader in complex prosthodontic treatments. As an assistant professor and director of the Dental School Implant Clinic at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Turkyilmaz played a key role in advancing both clinical practice and dental education.
Since joining New York University’s College of Dentistry in 2016, Dr. Turkyilmaz has made significant contributions as a Clinical Professor and Digital Dentistry Coordinator, integrating cutting-edge technologies into the curriculum. His research focuses on digital dentistry, dental implants and CAD/CAM technology, with 134 peer-reviewed publications and over 3,000 citations.
The Department of Comprehensive Care at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine houses clinical aspects of the DMD program and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program (AEGD). The department is responsible for the predoctoral education of fixed-, removable-, and implant prosthodontics, occlusion, biomaterials, operative dentistry, and the DMD Comprehensive Care Clinical Activities. During the course of their four years of dental education, DMD students will participate in didactic courses, hands-on preclinical simulation courses, and clinical training in general dentistry.
Clinical Experiences in the REAL Curriculum
During the course of their clinical education, students learn to practice evidence-based dentistry by evaluating the literature, critically appraising new medical knowledge and therapies, and applying that information to provide the best oral health care for their patients. Dental students have an opportunity to have early clinical experiences by providing preventative and periodontal treatment in their 1st and 2nd years of dental school. In their 3rd and 4th years of dental school, students participate in a clinical competency-based program in which they treat patients in our clinic and on clinical rotations to specialty clinics and community based clinical facilities. The School of Dental Medicine DMD Comprehensive Care Clinic is divided into general dental practices called Preceptor Groups.
Comprehensive Care Preceptor Program
The Preceptor program is the longest standing Comprehensive Care program in the country. Started in 1967, this program emulates a general dental private practice. Under the guidance of their Preceptor, students learn to:
- review/update medical, dental, and social histories
- collect diagnostic data (clinical examinations, digital radiographic imaging, etc…)
- consult with specialists
- develop and sequence treatment plans
- present treatment plans to their patient
- provide preventive and restorative treatment
Department News
School of Dental Medicine hosts First Digital Dentistry and AI Symposium
On Sept. 12–13, the Department of Comprehensive Care under the direction of Ilser Turkyilmaz, DMD, PhD, professor and chair of the department, hosted a landmark event: the school’s first Digital Dentistry and Artificial Intelligence Symposium. This groundbreaking gathering brought together over fifty alumni, faculty, students and global experts to explore how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming the landscape of dental care. From full-arch implant workflows and facial scanning to guided surgery and data-driven diagnostics, attendees witnessed the future of dentistry unfold in real time. The symposium served not only as a platform for innovation and education but also as a call to action for practitioners and educators to embrace these advancements and lead the evolution of patient-centered care. Alumni were invited to reconnect with their roots while looking forward—equipped with the tools and insights to elevate their practices, teaching and research.
“The momentum generated at this symposium is just the beginning,” said Dr. Turkyilmaz.“Together, we are shaping a smarter, faster, and more precise future for dentistry—one where technology amplifies the human touch rather than replaces it.”
The event was sponsored by Roe Dental Laboratory, Nobel Biocare, Ultradent and Acadental.
Faculty invited to speak at ADEA Centennial
On March 11-14, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) celebrated 100 years. ADEA events are the most prestigious in the field of dental education—and the department of Comprehensive Care had two of its faculty presenting at this conference, Dr. Scott Pelok and Dr. Leonardo Marchini. Both presentations were well attended with positive response to both.
2023 Winter CE Course
On February 18, the Department of Comprehensive Care hosted its first Winter CE Course. Held in the Samson Pavilion, the event was attended by 52 oral health care providers from the Cleveland area. The department extends its gratitude to the attendees, its generous sponsors (Kettenbach, Ivoclar, Utltradent, Biohorizons, ROE Lab, Dental Ceramics and Coltene), and to the lecturers, Drs. Jay Resnick, Leo Marchini and Gino Digiannantonio. Thank you all who made this event a success!! You can view photos from the event here.
Delta Dental Grant Received
Assistant Professor Tania Markarian secured a $4,999 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation to measure burnout among dental students in US dental schools—and to investigate its causes. This study will be conducted by two third-year dental students—Rebecca Lindow and Mikaela Gisch—in collaboration with an extensive network of faculty members from across the country. The faculty network will be led by Department Chair Leo Marchini, who is a co-investigator in the project.
Department Retreat
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the Department of Comprehensive Care had its first retreat in many years. It was a very good opportunity to assess the department's current activities and to plan for the year ahead. The retreat was very well attended, with 30+ faculty and staff present to discuss how the Department can continuously improve to serve our students, patients and alumni. View photos from the event.