Every year in June, the ITI opens the application portal for its Scholarships. We took this opportunity to ask one of our former Scholars, Ernesto Salazar Reyes from Nicaragua, about his experience, his daily work and what he liked the most about it. He started his Scholarship year in September 2024 at the ITI Scholarship Center in San Francisco, USA.
What are the three most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
Living in a different country, adapting to a new system, and connecting with Scholars from all over the world. All that made me grow far beyond a clinical experience. I leave this year not only a more skilled clinician, but also a more open, adaptable, and culturally aware human being with a new family.
Why did you choose this specific Scholarship Center?
Because it offered strong surgical and prosthetic training, which was what I wanted – I needed to grow in both areas. I was also drawn to the opportunity to give lectures and be involved academically, not just clinically. Living in San Francisco added another layer, because it is such a diverse city it has made the experience even more meaningful, both professionally and personally.
Did you get enough support to do your job well?
Yes, I received strong support throughout my role, which allowed me to perform at my best. I had access to excellent clinical facilities, mentorship from experienced highly qualified leaders in the field as well as opportunities for academic growth. The collaborative environment encouraged open communication, discussions, and interdisciplinary planning, which significantly enriched my clinical decision-making and confidence. Both my program director and co-director were very nice to me, but they are VERY strict as well.
Did you feel you were learning a lot?
It actually exceeded my expectations. But like I said before, I grew not only as a clinician and as an academic but also as a human being. As my mentor Dr. Bedrossian would say: everything we do is for the patient and care for the patient has to be the focus of our treatment, not a picture for instagram.
What were your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you returned home? And how did this experience influence your current position?
To work at the University of Buenos Aires as faculty, contributing to both clinical training and research. This experience has given me a broader vision and equipped me with new ideas, especially for research in immediate implant placement. It also strengthened my academic mindset, and I feel more prepared to guide students, lead clinical discussions, and develop research projects that address real world challenges. The exposure to international standards and interdisciplinary collaboration has deeply influenced how I approach education and patient care today.
Why would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
Because it offers a unique blend of high-level clinical training, academic exposure, and international mentorship. It is not just about placing implants or actually understanding them. it’s about understanding treatment from a global, evidence-based perspective and also I feel the ITI is like a very united family, I know it sounds corny, but that’s exactly how it feels .
Each year we enable young implant dentistry talent to spend a year abroad at a highly regarded university being mentored by an ITI Fellow at one of our 34 ITI Scholarship Centers around the globe. Are you keen on getting insight into every aspect of implant treatment? Would you like to dive into the complex world of case planning, implant surgery and prosthetic restorations in an international context? Our application portal is open from June 1 to June 30. Don’t hesitate any longer and apply now!
More information available on our website.
