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 University School of Dental Medicine encompasses the clinical components of the DMD program and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. The department provides predoctoral education in fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics, occlusion, biomaterials, operative dentistry and comprehensive patient care.
Throughout four years of dental education, DMD students progress through an integrated curriculum that combines didactic instruction, hands-on preclinical simulation, early clinical experiences and comprehensive patient care. This approach develops the knowledge, technical skills, clinical judgment and professional competencies essential for excellence in modern general dentistry.
Training Dentists for Today and the Future
Dentistry is undergoing a remarkable transformation through digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM technology, 3D printing and digital treatment planning. The Department of Comprehensive Care is committed to remaining at the forefront of these changes and preparing graduates to confidently navigate and lead the future of the profession.
Significant advancements have been made in integrating state-of-the-art technology into clinical education and patient care. Digital workflows are helping improve efficiency, communication, treatment predictability and the patient experience. The department currently has 38 intraoral scanners, four milling machines and five 3D printers, providing an advanced technological foundation for contemporary dental education.
The department's goal is to graduate dentists who are clinically competent, technologically proficient, adaptable and highly competitive. While digital dentistry continues to expand, strong clinical fundamentals remain essential. Students therefore develop proficiency in both digital and conventional analog workflows, together with the clinical judgment to select the most appropriate approach for each patient.
Another important advancement during the past two years has been the expansion of early clinical experiences. First- and second-year students participate in clinical assisting and observation experiences alongside third- and fourth-year students, providing early exposure to patient care, clinical communication, teamwork and the realities of contemporary dental practice.
Clinical Experiences in the REAL Curriculum
Students develop evidence-based clinical decision-making skills by evaluating scientific literature, critically appraising emerging knowledge and therapies and applying evidence to patient care. During the first and second years, students gain early clinical experience through preventive and periodontal care, observation, and assisting. In the third and fourth years, students participate in a competency-based clinical program that includes comprehensive patient care, specialty rotations and community-based clinical experiences.
Comprehensive Care Preceptor Program
Established in 1967, the Comprehensive Care Preceptor Program is one of the longest-standing programs of its kind in the country. Designed to emulate a general dental private practice, the program provides students with faculty-guided experience in patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, specialist consultation, patient communication and comprehensive preventive and restorative care.
Through this integrated educational model, the Department of Comprehensive Care prepares the next generation of dentists to combine clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, technology, innovation and patient-centered care while embracing the evolving future of dentistry.
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.