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F. Fusun Ozer, DMD. PhD

Fusun Ozer, DMD, PhD

Professor of Clinical Restorative Dentistry
Division of Restorative Dentistry
Email: ozerf@upenn.edu
Professional Biography

Dr. Fusun Ozer is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Penn Dental Medicine. Prior to joining Penn Dental Medicine in 2008, Dr. Ozer was at Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry in Turkey, where she served as Chair of Restorative Dentistry for 10 years. She completed her residency and PhD degree in Operative Dentistry at the Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry in 1991. Dr. Ozer has a broad research background in adhesive dentistry, with specific training and expertise in research areas of material adhesion and developing more biologically stable adhesive/dentin interface. Her recent research interests focus on the effect of zeolite incorporation on the long-term antibacterial and anticariogenic properties of silver reinforced glass ionomer cements. One of her research projects also involves ZIF-8 as a pH-responsive nanoplatform for 5-fluorouracil delivery in the chemotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Ozer also conducts various company related clinical research studies. She works on several collaborative research projects with national and international researchers from different institutions and published a large number of peer-reviewed papers in the area of dental materials and particularly in Adhesive Dentistry.

Faculty Appointments
  • Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 2023-present
  • Adjunct Professor, Bahcesehir International University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2021-present
  • Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 2015-2023
  • Full-time Instructor and Clinical Associate, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 2009-2015
  • Part-time Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, October 2008-April 2009.
  • Adjunct Professor, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey, 2014-2020
  • Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey, 2001-2008.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey, 1995-2001.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey, 1991-1995.
Administrative Appointments
  • Assistant Dean for the Clinical Affairs, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, July 2015 – April 2016.
  • Department Chair, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey, 1998 – 2008.
  • Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Research, Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey, 1994-2001.
Honors/Credentials
  • AADR Bloc Travel Grant supported by NIH/NIDCR 2010, 2011, 2018, 2023
  • SCADA Dentsply Sirona Award for PDM, 2019
  • Penn Faculty Mentoring Undergraduate Research Award 2019, 2020
  • Jumpstarts for Juniors Grant from Center for Penn Undergraduate Research, 2018
  • Scientific Committee Co-Chair, 2nd Biennial Meeting of International Academy of Adhesive Dentistry, 2017
  • Clinical Research Grant Award supported by SHOFU Company-Japan, 2016
  • The Twenty-First Hinman Student Research Award, 2015
  • The Josephine and Joseph Rabinowitz Grant Award for Excellence in Research, 2014
  • The award of Schoenleber Pilot Grant, 2013
  • The Philadelphia Academy of Stomatology Research Award, 2010
  • Vice President, 5th International Adhesive Dentistry Congress, Philadelphia, PA, 2013
  • Executive Committee Member, International Academy of Adhesive Dentistry (IAAD), 2013 – Present
  • Dental Materials Section Editor, Journal of Current Oral Health Reports, 2013 – 2016
  • The research award of Spark Education and Research Foundation, 2011
  • The Philadelphia Academy of Stomatology Research Award, 2010
  • Active Member, IADR Membership and Recruitment Committee, 2010 – 2013
  • Active Board Member, International Association for Dental Research, Continental European Division (IADR-CED), 2006 – 2009
  • Chair, Regional Development Committee of International Association for Dental Research, Continental European Division (IADR-CED), 2005 – 2009
  • Norwegian Government Higher Education Scholarship Award, 2003
  • Chair, ERASMUS (The Program of Internationalizing European Education) and International Relationships Committee, Selcuk University, Konya, TURKEY, 2001 – 2008
  • Executive Committee Member, DenTed (Thematic network for convergence in European Dental Education) visitation to Oulu University, Oulu, FINLAND, 2001
Education
  • DMD, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 2013
  • PhD, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey, 1991
  • DDS, Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey, 1982