Every year in June, the ITI opens its Scholarship application portal. We took this opportunity to ask one of our current Scholars, Gökçen Ateş from Turkey, about her experience, her work and what she liked most about it. She started her Scholarship year in January 2023 at the ITI Scholarship Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
What are the most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
I embarked on a journey unlike any I had experienced before, moving to a new city and country far removed from the familiar comfort of family and friends. The prospect of becoming an ITI Scholar filled me with a mix of anticipation and the sweet anxiety of stepping out of my comfort zone. However, upon arriving, all my apprehensions dissolved thanks to the warm welcome I received from my advisor, Professor Newton Sesma. Professor Sesma thoughtfully provided me with a comprehensive list of what to expect and prepare for before I arrived in Brazil. The University of Sao Paulo, with its expansive campus, became my new academic home. Professor Sesma proved to be an invaluable guide, offering detailed explanations of the campus, the various departments, and the program for the year. His meticulous, selfless, and patient approach to presenting information was particularly impressive.
Each ITI Scholarship Center has its unique attributes but what stood out was the opportunity to treat patients directly. As a prosthodontist with experience of implant-supported prostheses, I had been primarily involved from a non-surgical standpoint. The Sao Paulo ITI Scholarship Center, however, provided me with an integrative perspective, allowing me to plan and execute my first implant surgery.
Another highlight of my time in Sao Paulo was the chance to present at ITI Study Clubs. Presenting to ITI Members, including a number from Peru who were in the city for a congress, was both enjoyable and enlightening. This experience enabled me to access diverse perspectives and fostered my growth and improvement within the field of implant dentistry.
How was your working week structured?
In this center, each day presented an opportunity to engage with a different discipline, an aspect I eagerly anticipated. My time was divided between following clinical research projects, patient follow-ups, and Thursdays in particular were dedicated to an evidence-based, digital-prosthesis guided implantology program.
This program was a blend of online seminars and hands-on sessions. Each session was meticulously prepared, continually evolving, and included current ITI Scholars as well as former Scholars around the world. The diverse nature of these sessions not only broadened my professional perspective but also provided a platform to connect and collaborate with experts and peers globally.
Why did you choose this specific Scholarship Center?
Brazil stands out as one of the leading countries in dentistry, particularly renowned for emphasizing the artistic dimension of the field. This inclination towards creativity, coupled with a strong openness to innovations in digital dentistry, significantly influenced my decision to choose this center for my studies. A pivotal factor in this decision was the opportunity to treat patients directly. Additionally, the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Sao Paulo is not just a premier institution but also ranks among the top 10 dental research centers globally. This reputation for excellence in both practical and research domains made it the ideal place for my professional development.
Did you get enough support to do your job well?
When I first arrived here, my country had been struck by a devastating earthquake, leaving me feeling incredibly helpless and distressed. The situation was compounded by the daunting tasks typical of settling in a new place, like finding accommodation in Brazil and navigating the complexities of opening a bank account. These challenges initially seemed overwhelming. However, the unwavering support and patience of Professor Sesma and my friends during this difficult period were invaluable. Their understanding and encouragement not only boosted my confidence but also provided much-needed motivation. They were a beacon of hope, offering guidance and support, not just during challenging times but also in moments of joy. I am profoundly grateful to them for their kindness and solidarity, especially when I was far from my loved ones. Their support made a significant difference in my journey and helped me persevere through tough times.
What are your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you return home?
As I look forward to continuing my academic career in the prosthodontic department at Istanbul University, I am filled with hope for the collaborative opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that the relationships and networks I have established with the University of Sao Paulo and the valuable ITI Fellows I met through the ITI will foster significant contributions to evidence-based dentistry.
Having been a member of the ITI since 2012 and having the honor of being an ITI Scholar adds up to an enriching and educational journey for me. This experience has not only been the cornerstone in my academic and professional development but also a guiding light in my approach to dentistry.
I am eager to share the diverse perspectives and evidence-based practices I have acquired over the past year with my students at Istanbul University and colleagues in the ITI Section Turkey Azerbaijan. Carrying forward the knowledge and insights gained during this transformative period will be a matter of pride, as I contribute to advancing the field of dentistry.
Why would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
To younger colleagues, and especially to young women in the profession, I want to offer a word of encouragement: never give up on your dreams. My journey and many of my dreams were realized through the ITI Scholarship. I often encounter questions from my female peers about the challenges of living alone in a foreign country, especially as a woman. They ask, “Aren’t you afraid?” or wonder, “How did you leave everything for a year to start anew?”
To them, I say: there are countless places in the world to see, live in, and experience. With the support of the ITI, I have successfully spent a year immersed in a culture vastly different from my own. If I could do it, so can you. The key is to know what you want, to persistently pursue it, and to apply yourself fully. Your future is in your hands, free from the constraints of prejudice.
I wish success to everyone embarking on this journey and don’t forget: the world is huge, and your potential is limitless.
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 every year. Don’t hesitate any longer and apply now!
More information available on our website.
