Every year in June, the ITI opens its Scholarship application portal. We took this opportunity to ask one of our current Scholars, Anastasiya Orishko from Ukraine, about her experience, her work and what she liked most about it. She started her Scholarship year in 2023 at the ITI Scholarship Center in Bern, Switzerland.
What are the most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
My journey as an ITI Scholar has been nothing short of extraordinary. I thoroughly enjoyed my year at the University of Bern under the mentorship of Prof. Sculean and Prof. Salvi. The 12 months I spent there significantly contributed to my professional development as a researcher, clinician, and lecturer.
Although I already had specialist training as a periodontist from UCL Eastman, delving into the evidence-based Bernese concepts in implant dentistry and periodontology during case presentations and treatment planning sessions was fascinating. I further enhanced my clinical knowledge and skills in implant planning, treating peri-implantitis, soft-tissue management, and complex bone grafting procedures.
The ITI Scholarship not only equipped me with new skills to excel in my practice but also propelled my academic career forward. It taught me the value of collaboration and opened doors for international partnerships. I significantly expanded my research skills, contributing to narrative reviews for the prestigious Periodontology 2000 and participating in clinical studies. I received invaluable support from Dr. Jean-Claude Imber in writing a protocol for a preclinical study and research grant application, learning a great deal from his expertise. Working closely with PD Dr. Alexandra Stähli, Dr Andrea Roccuzzo and Prof. Christoph Ramseier, I broadened my experience in scientific writing, running clinical studies and deepened my knowledge of statistics.
Collaborating with Dr. Benjamin Pippenger from the Straumann Innovation team and gaining experience at the renowned Robert K. Schenk Laboratory of Oral Histology was particularly rewarding. I feel very fortunate to have met Prof. Dieter Bosshardt, a true legend in the field of histology, and to have attended the Osteology Research Academy on Hard Tissue Research. Most importantly, I gained some hands-on experience with histological section grinding and processing.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to present at ITI Study Clubs and university lectures, which provided an excellent growth opportunity for my future career as a speaker. This year was especially memorable, as the ITI World Symposium took place in Singapore. We were all invited to a special ITI Scholar Reception, which offered a wonderful atmosphere for connecting with fellow scholars, sharing experiences, and meeting ITI Scholarship Center Chairs. I was honoured that my case report on vertical guided bone regeneration was accepted and displayed at such a prestigious event.
Last but not least, I met so many wonderful people along this journey who will always hold a special place in my heart. I am deeply grateful to the graduate trainees in the department—Delia Irani, Johanna Ettmayer, Kiri Lang, Jan Schmid, Michele Morandini, Raffael Budmiger, and Lucienne Weigel — for welcoming me and making my time in Bern truly unforgettable. I also formed close bonds and friendships with other ambitious, warm-hearted scholars who came to Switzerland from all over the world. It was fascinating to learn about their journeys and aspirations, and we supported each other along the way, sharing our experiences and enjoying our time together as the “Swiss Scholars Gang.”
How was your working week structured?
The beauty of the ITI Scholarship lies in its flexible structure, allowing me to engage in various clinical and research activities while tailoring my weekly schedule. On average, I spent part of my week in the clinic, assisting with surgeries, and the other half focused on research. Every Wednesday, I attended seminars, case presentations, and journal clubs.
This flexible timetable also enabled me to visit other departments and universities across Switzerland to witness their outstanding work. The year was filled with multiple events organized by ITI and the Swiss ITI Young, led by Prof. Gülce Çakmak.
At first, it takes time to settle into a new country and establish a routine. In the beginning, it might feel challenging to adapt, but my advice to new ITI Scholars embarking on their adventure is not to judge the moment too quickly. You are exactly where you need to be—focus on the long-term opportunities ahead.
Why did you choose this particular Scholarship Center?
Ever since my undergraduate years, I’ve had an ITI Scholarship with a Swiss flag on my dream board. Reading the ITI Scholars’ Experiences was my favourite part of the Forum Implantologicum magazine—I devoured every story, finding them incredibly inspiring. It’s still hard to believe that I’m now writing one of those stories myself. My life motto is: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Now, I have my own story to tell, and I’m thrilled to have embarked on this journey. I hope it will ignite a spark in someone else, inspiring them to take a chance.
I chose the Dental School of Bern because it’s one of the pioneers in implant dentistry, where many foundational concepts were developed. Its historical significance, combined with the opportunity to work alongside and learn from world-renowned researchers, was incredibly motivating. Additionally, Bern is a major epicentre of implant science and preclinical studies with a strong emphasis on the treatment of soft tissue defects around implants and implants in periodontally compromised patients.
Looking back at my ITI year, I can confidently say that being a scholar offered me a unique chance to visit other departments at the University of Bern and various universities across the country, all supported by the Swiss ITI leadership group. I had the privilege of visiting the Oral Surgery Department, where I met Prof. Vivianne Chappuis, the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology with Prof. Martin Schimmel, and the digital dental lab led by Prof. Yilmaz. I also visited the University of Geneva at the kind invitation of Prof. Sailer, and the University of Basel, where I learned complex bone grafting techniques from Prof. Kuhl. As a special bonus, I received a kind invitation from Prof. Buser to assist him with surgeries in his private practice.
Plans for the Future
Currently, I plan to return to private practice in London and continue with a position of an honorary lecturer at the UCL, Eastman. But I also aim to pursue my academic career. We have applied for a research grant in collaboration with my colleagues at the University of Bern, and I’m hopeful for future collaborative opportunities.
Furthermore, it’s an amazing feeling to be part of ITI – this global community of experts and leaders. I envision many ways to continue growing within the ITI too.
Would You Recommend Other Young Dentists to Become ITI Scholars?
I am honoured to wear the badge of an ITI Scholar, and I wholeheartedly encourage my young colleagues to pursue their aspirations fearlessly and fight for the opportunity to spend a year at one of the leading centers. For me, it was a year full of professional networking and enriching clinical and educational experiences. Most importantly, I found mentors, met amazing colleagues, made lifelong friends, and enjoyed the Swiss Alps to the fullest!
Follow your dreams and aspirations with confidence—they can lead you to incredible people and places.
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.
