Ilser Turkyilmaz, DMD, PhD

Visiting Professor and Chair
Department of Comprehensive Care
School of Dental Medicine

Dr. Ilser Turkyilmaz is a distinguished dental professional whose career is marked by a blend of academic excellence, innovative research and clinical expertise. His journey in dentistry began with the completion of his dental degree at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey. His dedication to the field led him to pursue a PhD in Prosthodontics from the same institution, culminating in 2004. This solid foundation set the stage for an expansive career that would span multiple continents and see him engage in cutting-edge research and clinical practice.

In 2005, Dr. Turkyilmaz expanded his research horizons by collaborating with Goteborg University in Sweden, where he worked in the Department of Biomaterials at the Institute of Clinical Sciences. This experience provided him with valuable insights into biomaterials, a critical area in modern prosthodontics and dental implants. His commitment to advancing his specialization led him to the Ohio State University, where he completed an implant prosthodontic fellowship in 2008. 

Dr. Turkyilmaz's academic career in the United States took a significant leap forward when he joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as an Assistant Professor in Prosthodontics. Here, he also took on the role of Director of the Dental School Implant Clinic, where he managed complex prosthodontic cases and played a key role in the clinical education of dental students/residents. 

His research portfolio is robust and focused on some of the most current and relevant areas in dentistry, including dental implants and digital dentistry (intraoral scanners, milling machines, 3D printing and artificial intelligence). Dr. Turkyilmaz has published 134 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals, edited three books on dental implants, and contributed to four book chapters. 

In 2011, Dr. Turkyilmaz was awarded Diplomate status by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), further solidifying his standing in the field. His commitment to continuous education is evident in his completion of the Advanced Standing Program at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where he earned a DMD degree in 2016.

Since joining the Department of Prosthodontics, New York University College of Dentistry in 2016, Dr. Turkyilmaz has continued to make significant contributions in both academic and clinical settings. He was promoted to Clinical Professor in 2020, the same year he was inducted into the Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to dentistry. In his role as Digital Dentistry Coordinator, he has been instrumental in integrating digital technology into the dental curriculum, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Turkyilmaz's involvement in professional organizations, including leadership roles in the Academy of Osseointegration, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), and the International Association of Dental Research (IADR), highlights his dedication to the profession. He has also made significant contributions as the first President of the IADR Digital Dentistry Research Network and as a member of the AADOCR Constitution Committee.