University of Zurich, Center for Dental Medicine, Switzerland
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Mutlu Özcan is a distinguished dental materials scientist and clinician, currently serving as the Director of the Center for Dental Medicine and Chief Financial Officer (a.i.) at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Born on June 17, 1969, in Erzincan, Turkey, she holds Dutch and Swiss nationalities. Fluent in Turkish, English, Dutch, and German, Prof. Özcan is renowned for her extensive contributions to adhesive dentistry, prosthodontics, and reconstructive dental biomaterials. Her prolific career encompasses over 950 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting her commitment to advancing dental science and education.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Prof. Özcan’s academic journey began with her dental degree (DDS) from Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey (1987–1993). She pursued a Dr. med. dent. degree at the University of Cologne, Germany (1997–1999), followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands (2003), where her research focused on adhesion of resin composites to biomaterials in dentistry. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future contributions to dental materials research and clinical practice.
💼 Experience
Prof. Özcan’s professional career is marked by significant academic and research positions. She served as a Research and Specialization Fellow at Marmara University (1993–1997), followed by a Research Fellow and Doctorate Student at the University of Cologne (1997–1999). Her tenure at the University of Groningen included roles as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor, culminating in her leadership of the Clinical Dental Biomaterials unit (2002–2009). Since 2009, she has been a Professor at the University of Zurich, where she has held various leadership roles, including Head of the Division of Dental Biomaterials and Director of the Center for Dental Medicine. Her international experience also includes visiting researcher positions in Finland and Norway.
🔬 Research Interests
Prof. Özcan’s research interests encompass adhesive dentistry, dental biomaterials, prosthodontics, and reconstructive dentistry. She focuses on the development and evaluation of materials and techniques to improve the longevity and performance of dental restorations. Her work includes investigating surface conditioning methods, bonding protocols, and the mechanical properties of restorative materials. She is also involved in translational research aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Throughout her illustrious career, Prof. Özcan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2018 IADR Distinguished Scientist Wilmer Souder Award. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Dental Materials and the International College of Dentists. Her contributions have been recognized with honorary professorships at institutions worldwide, such as São Paolo State University (Brazil), University of Florida (USA), and University of Hong Kong (China). Her h-index stands at 104, reflecting the significant impact of her research in the field of dental materials.
📚 Publications
Özcan M, Vallittu PK. “Effect of surface conditioning methods on the bond strength of luting cement to ceramics.” Dental Materials, 2003;19(8):725-731.
Özcan M, Bernasconi M. “Adhesion to zirconia used for dental restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 2015;17(1):7-26.
Gresnigt MM, Özcan M, Kalk W. “Esthetic rehabilitation of worn anterior teeth with thin porcelain laminate veneers.” European Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, 2011;6(3):298-313.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Mutlu Özcan is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His global academic footprint, research excellence, leadership roles, and dedication to mentorship place him at the pinnacle of dental science innovation. His work not only advances the field of prosthodontics and dental biomaterials but also empowers future generations of researchers worldwide.