Pekka Vallittu
DDS, PhD, CDT
pekval@utu.fi +358 29 450 2861 +358 40 574 8200 Lemminkäisenkatu 2 Turku ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9981-6717 |
Biomaterials in dentistry and medicine; Dental Technology; Prosthetic Dentistry
Number of Peer-Reviewed Publications: 742 (ISI Web of Science All Databases)
H-index: 111
For full list of publications, see
http://apps.webofknowledge.com.ezproxy.utu.fi/Search.do?product=UA&SID=D5GBhXbn6lvOGFpqEaM&search_mode=GeneralSearch&prID=47c1a391-b48e-4785-b6fb-6977327f8bb0
For materials science:
https://research.com/scientists-rankings/materials-science/fi
For art:
http://www.pekkavallittuart.com
Pekka Vallittu earned his degrees in Dental Technology in 1988 and completed both his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Doctor of Philosophy in 1994. He received Adjunct Professorship in 1995 and specialized in prosthodontics and stomatognathic physiology, becoming a European Prosthodontic Association Recognized Prosthodontist in 2000. Currently, he serves as a Full Professor and Chair of Biomaterials Science in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku, Finland. Since 2004, with one brief interruption, he has worked as the Head of the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Turku and as the Director of the Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre. He holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Hong Kong and is a Doctor of Odontology honoris causa (h.c.) from the University of Eastern Finland. Additionally, he has been a Board Member of the University of Turku since 2018.
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Pekka Vallittu has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Scientist Award in Prosthodontics and Implant Research from the International Association of Dental Research (IADR), the Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Big Prize, the Bensow-Äyräpää Prize, and the George Winter Award.
Scientific and Societal Impact
Vallittu's research interests began in dental technology and dentistry in the early 1990s, evolving to focus on high aspect ratio filler resin composites (FRC). This area became his predominant research focus for the following decades. In the early 2000s, FRC research expanded to include ceramics, bioceramics, and bioactive glasses, leading to investigations into biomineralizing and bioactive non-metallic bone surgery implants. His current research also explores natural-based fibers, such as nanocellulose, biomineralization, and hydrogels, for applications in dental restorations and bone implants. Through these research initiatives, Vallittu has collaborated with experts in cell biology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and materials chemistry. A significant aspect of his research is translating findings into clinical applications through existing companies or start-ups and addressing regulatory issues related to dental and medical biomaterials (MDR-EU, FDA). Recently, he has been involved in spin-off activities centered on sustainable 3D printing technology and the development of hydrating compounds for medical and technical uses. Pekka Vallittu’s h-index is 109 according to Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases list 742 of his indexed publications. Research.com ranks him 848th in the world and 4th in Finland among the best materials scientists. He holds over 140 granted international patents based on more than 36 inventions and is a Fellow of the Academy of Dental Materials.
Dental education (theoretical, preclinical and clinical), biomaterial education at different levels in dentistry and medicine.
- Kovettaako valo yhdistelmämuovin varmasti? – Konsensusraportti valokovetuksesta (2014)
- Suomen Hammaslääkärilehti
(D1 Article in a professional journal) - Laser Doppler imaging of skin microcirculation under fiber-reinforced composite framework of facial prosthesis (2014)
- Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Mechanical properties and in vivo performance of load-bearing fiber-reinforced composite intramedullary nails with improved torsional strength (2014)
- Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Monomer priming of denture teeth and its effects on the bond strength of composite resin (2014)
- Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Optimizing the concentration of quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate monomer in bis-GMA/TEGDMA dental resin system for antibacterial activity and mechanical properties (2014)
- Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Osseointegration of fiber-reinforced composite implants: Histological and ultrastructural observations (2014)
- Dental Materials
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Silane-Treated E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Telechelic Macromer-Based Polymer-Matrix Composites (2014)
- Silicon
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Synthesis of antibacterial and radio-opaque dimethacrylate monomers and their potential application in dental resin (2014)
- Dental Materials
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Accuracy of three-dimensional finite element modeling using two different dental cone beam computed tomography systems (2013)
- Odontology
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Bioactive glass–nanosphere/nanofibre based composite coatings useful as excellent scaffolds for the generation and growth of apatite (Abstract 414) (2013) Das I., Medda S.K., De G., Fagerlund S., Hupa L., Puska M., Vallittu P.K.
(Other publication) - Biomateriaalit luuston korjauksessa (2013)
- Duodecim
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to dentin after antibacterial and chelating solution treatment (2013)
- Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Characterization of porous glass fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) implant structures: porosity and mechanical properties (2013)
- Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Color stability of thermochromic pigment in maxillofacial silicone (2013)
- The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Composite-based oral implants (2013) Non-metallic biomaterials for tooth repair and replacement Närhi TO, Ballo AM, Vallittu P
(A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book) - Composite resin reinforced with pre-tensioned fibers: a three-dimensional finite element study on stress distribution (2013)
- Odontology
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Creep of experimental short fiber-reinforced composite resin (vol 31, pg 737, 2012) (2013)
- Dental Materials Journal
(B1 Non-refereed article in a scientific journal) - Effect of cementation technique of individually formed fiber-reinforced composite post on bond strength and microleakage (2013)
- Open Dentistry Journal
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Effect of colouring green stage zirconia on the adhesion of veneering ceramics with different thermal expansion coefficients (2013)
- International Journal of Oral Science
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Effect of monomer composition of polymer matrix on flexural properties of glass fibre-reinforced orthodontic archwire (2013)
- European Journal of Orthodontics
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal)