Dr. Mevlüt Yazıcı

Dr. Mevlüt Yazici is a prosthetic and esthetic periodontologist, member of the Turkish Association of Gnathology and Prosthetics, member of the Ivoclar Esthetic Dentistry Association and a researcher with a reputed academic background as lecturer at Marmara University.

Dr. Yazici obtained his periodontology PhD in the Department of Prosthetic and Esthetic Dentistry, specializing in advancements in zirconium crowns. He continued his research while lecturing during 2011-2017 at Marmara University.

With more than 10 years of experience as a medical practitioner, Dr. Mevlüt has operated over +1000 patients as a maxillofacial periodontologist between 2012-2020.

In 2020, Dr. Mevlüt partnered to found his own Esthetic Dentistry and Implantology Clinic through which he operates overseas patients from diverse backgrounds with Care in Turkey.

Interview with:

Dr. Mevlüt Yazıcı

(Head of Aesthetic Dentistry at Care in Turkey)

Hello, doctor, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Would you like to start by talking about  a general overview of your scientific background and achievements?

Hey! Thank you for having me. I am a prosthodontics specialist, a 2011 Marmara University graduate with a PhD in Zirconium Crowns. I have been in practice for over 10 years and found my own clinic 3 years ago. I have been mostly focused on dental tourism with a sweet spot for zirconium crowns

Why are people interested in zirconium crowns? What makes zirconium crowns this popular?

That’s a great question. Zirconium crowns were invented as a solution and new approach to metal-supported ceramics. Zirconium allows us to give a more natural look to our crowns, and they are extremely durable as metals. They have lots of advantages. Its production is sensitive, its intra-oral working process is sensitive and complicated, but it helps us to get much more aesthetic results than porcelain-coated metal crowns. At the moment, it is safe to say that zirconium crowns are the most practical and durable material available.

Sounds fascinating. Why did you want to be a dentist and when did you realize that?

During high school, I was certain I wanted to become a medical practitioner. Several reasons drew me specifically toward dentistry. I wanted to specialize in aesthetics and see immediate results from my work—unlike internal medicine or infection specialists. I also prefer working with my hands; instead of prescribing medications, I enjoy the precision and creativity of physical manipulation, almost like an artist. I also sought more freedom and independence. As a general doctor, I would have had to work in a large hospital, playing a small role in a larger system. Now, I have my own clinic.

I see that you are not only a dentist but also an entrepreneur. What do you like the most and the least about your job?

I love showing my patients their look in the mirror, revealing the results. That’s truly the best part, believe me. As for the worst part… Well, I’d have to come up with a diplomatic answer for that! In my ideal world, I’d be everything for my patients; technician, doctor, secretary, assistant, I’d love to be every part of their journey but I know that’s just a dream.

I see the patience experience is your top priority. How about  the most difficult, or craziest operation you’ve performed? One that has stayed in your mind.

It was a bride and a groom. They decided to have their aesthetic treatment just one week before the wedding. It was stressful for all of us, the whole family. 20 people attended the treatment! Which means, twenty times more questions, twenty times more stress, time was short and expectations were huge, crowns and veneers for both. So of course I got invited to the wedding, but I couldn’t make it. We finished the last part of the treatment just 24 hours before the ceremony. I had been seeing everybody for a whole week, I was very stressed and I wanted to relax!

That’s a hilarious story. How do you see the future of dentistry? What kind of trends are on the horizon?

It’s clear that digitalization is set to change everything. It will improve the practice and will handle a lot of human work, especially in the laboratory. Humans are still needed, but in 10-20 years probably not so much. We want humans to control the machines and the machines to do the most delicate part of the work. It will help us to have more successful, faster results, and it will help us to foresee the results with minimum changes through improved digital planning. Let me emphasize this again: especially in the laboratory and manufacturing part, with high-precision 3D printing, oral and dental impressions, that’s what I see for the future of dentistry.

I noticed you are very knowledgeable not only about dentistry but also laboratory and manufacturing.

I have no choice, I’m managing a clinic. I believe doctors are also responsible for the manufacturing part, a good doctor cannot depend on the laboratory. Doctors should be the ones to orchestrate the technicians and get the best product. If doctors are not knowledgeable about this, it will be the technicians instructing the doctors. Patients don’t want that. My PhD and experience as a researcher and lecturer have been paramount to learning more about the dental workshop itself.

On a more personal note. How is your work-life balance doctor?

I have a very good work-work balance! In my spare time I try to do sports, I’m going to get back to it more seriously. I was a professional in Karate, Kick-Boxing and Muay Thai. It’s a good way to release stress and stay fit and motivated. I do not only repair teeth, I also break them!