The ADA recognized Hatice Hasturk, DDS, PhD, for her 30-year career as a dentist and clinical scientist.

The American Dental Association (ADA) named Hatice Hasturk, DDS, PhD, the 2020–2021 recipient of the ADA Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

The ADA has presented the annual award, with the support of Johnson & Johnson, since 1991 to recognize investigators whose research has significantly impacted some aspect of clinical dentistry.

Hasturk has been a dentist and clinical scientist for more than 30 years. She has authored more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including work on the relationship between periodontitis and heart disease, as well as between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes.

Since September 2017, Hasturk has served as director of the Forsyth Institute’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research. In 2019, she coauthored a paper concerning the potential link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Hasturk is an adjunct associate professor at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

According to ADA President Daniel J. Klemmedson, DDS, MD, Hasturk’s research into some of dentistry’s most pressing issues has opened new avenues for treating oral disease.

Klemmedson said the award “is a testament to your prolific research career.”

“As director of the Forsyth Institute’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research, you have established a world-renowned research facility with a reputation for high-quality clinical work,” said Klemmedson.

Hasturk received $5,000 and a commemorative plaque during a ceremony at SmileCon.

“I am very fortunate to work with a wonderful team, colleagues and students who all have contributed to the success of our Center for Clinical and Translational Research at the Forsyth Institute,” said Hasturk. “I have a deep passion for oral biology and dental research, overall public health, and the education of our young generation of dentists. The Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research recognition motivates me further to continue with this passion.”

Photo by EZ Event Photography, courtesy ADA News