About Me
Dr. Gaye Üstüner
After graduating from Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, I pursued my passion for pediatric dentistry and started the pedodontics PhD program at Yeditepe University.
My doctoral thesis focuses on child patients treated under general anesthesia. My research aims to provide safer and more effective treatment for children with cooperation difficulties and extensive treatment needs.
My greatest goal is for every child to remember their dental visit as a positive experience. I work to protect the smile of each little patient with modern techniques, an empathetic approach, and patience.
At my clinic I provide pediatric-specific care for children ages 0–18 across digital anesthesia, preventive dentistry, early orthodontics, and treatment under general anesthesia. As a Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry graduate (DDS) and Yeditepe University pedodontics PhD researcher, I keep my clinical practice updated alongside current academic literature.
Education
PhD - Pedodontics
OngoingYeditepe University
Thesis: Child patients treated under general anesthesia
DDS - Doctor of Dental Surgery
GraduateMarmara University
Faculty of Dentistry
Professional Experience
Yeditepe University Dental Hospital
Caddebostan, Istanbul
Clinical practice and academic studies in the pedodontics department.
Dentistanbul
Kozyatagi, Istanbul
Pediatric dentistry and preventive dental treatments.
ASM John Hopkins Medicine Hospital
Istanbul
Pedodontics practices in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
Medar Private Hospital
Istanbul
Treatment of children and young patients.
My Clinical Philosophy: Trust First, Then Treatment
Success in pediatric dentistry is the result not only of clinical skill but of the trust built with the child. A traumatic dental experience in childhood can leave a patient with a lifelong fear. That is why every treatment at my clinic begins with behavior management: the child's first visit is introductory; devices are introduced using the “Tell-Show-Do” method (first tell, then show, then do).
Digital anesthesia (WAND/STA) is standard practice. Its computer-controlled slow flow eliminates both the sudden pressure sensation and the visual anxiety of injections. Single-tooth targeting means the child's cheek and lip do not become numb, allowing a quick return to normal activity. The recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) form the basis of my clinical protocols.
Parent communication is an integral part of the approach. Before every session, the treatment plan, alternatives, and expected outcomes are shared with parents in writing. Behavioral changes during the child's treatment process are reviewed together. This transparency builds the foundation of long-term trust between family and clinician.
Professional Memberships and Standards
I maintain my clinical standards within the framework of current guidelines from national and international pediatric dentistry organizations:
- Turkish Dental Association (TDB)
The legal professional body of all dentists in Türkiye. Sets the minimum fee schedule, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards.
- Istanbul Chamber of Dentists (İDO)
The local professional chamber at the Istanbul scale; continuing education and clinical development activities.
- Turkish Society of Pediatric Dentistry
The pediatric dentistry specialty society of Türkiye; national congresses, clinical guides, and joint TPD–AAPD recommendations.
- AAPD — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The global reference for pediatric dentistry. Policies on Behavior Guidance, Fluoride, Sealants, Anesthesia, and Trauma Management underpin daily clinical practice.
- EAPD — European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
The European pediatric dentistry academy; guidelines and educational materials aligned with EU medical standards.
Content and Editorial Standards
The informational content on this site is prepared as a reference for parents on pediatric dentistry topics. Every article is written within the framework of current scientific literature (AAPD policies, EAPD guidelines, Cochrane systematic reviews, PubMed searches) and is supported by observations from clinical practice.
Medical disclaimer: Content is educational and does not replace individual diagnosis or a treatment plan. Specific recommendations for your child can only be made after a clinical examination. If you find a contradiction or believe a topic is out of date, please reach us through the contact form.
Publication and update dates: Every article displays a publication date (datePublished); when medical updates are made, the dateModified field is also updated. Historical data is preserved — content is not deleted, only corrected.
Artificial intelligence and content creation: All articles are prepared under physician supervision. Even when AI-assisted writing is used, content is not published without clinical approval. Authority references (AAPD/EAPD/Cochrane) appear in every article as tables, citations, or inline links.
Languages
Turkish
Native
English
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Spanish
B2 – Upper Intermediate