Every year in June, the ITI opens the application portal for its Scholarships. We took this opportunity to ask one of our former Scholars, Aspasia Pachiou from Greece, about her experience, her daily work and what she liked the most about it. She started his Scholarship year in September 2024 at the ITI Scholarship Center Zurich, Switzerland.
What are the three most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
1. The people who made this journey truly unforgettable
At the end of the day, it is the people you meet along the way that define the experience. At the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Zurich, I was surrounded by exceptional colleagues, mentors, and staff who created an environment of trust and genuine support. I was truly fortunate to benefit from the mentorship of ITI President Prof. Ronald E. Jung, whose openness, and constant support played a central role throughout my scholarship year. I am also grateful for the guidance and generosity of leading figures in implant dentistry and prosthodontics, including Prof. Daniel Thoma, PD Dr. Nadja Nänni, PD Dr. Alexis Ioannidis, Prof. Tim Joda, PD Dr. Pune Nina Paque, Dr. Marc Balmer, and Dr. Franz Strauss.
Beyond the clinic, the ITI connected me to an inspiring international network, and this year also led to meaningful friendships that extend far beyond Zurich and will stay with me for a lifetime.
2. A unique clinical and academic environment that felt like a privilege, and never routine
Being part of a clinic where clinical excellence, digital innovation, and evidence-based dentistry coexist so seamlessly was truly inspiring. The constant exchange of ideas and the high academic standards transformed everyday clinical and academic work into a meaningful and motivating experience. An unforgettable moment during this year for me was being awarded the European Prize for Clinical Research in Prosthetics at the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) Congress in Monaco. What once felt like a distant dream, became a reality and this reflects what can be achieved when you are encouraged to aim high. And I am truly grateful to the Zurich Team for that.
3. A defining step toward my future
This scholarship year gave me clarity and confidence about my future path. The trust placed in me to pursue research, ask questions, and contribute academically helped me grow not only as a clinician and researcher, but also as a person. Traveling, attending international meetings, and representing both the clinic and the ITI further broadened my perspective. I leave this year feeling deeply grateful, inspired, and motivated to carry these values – and these relationships – forward.
Could you give us an idea of how your working week was structured?
My working week followed a well-balanced structure that combined clinical practice, research, and academic exchange. Most days were centered around clinical activity at the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Zurich, where I was involved in the treatment planning and execution of complex restorative and implant cases, accompanied by case discussions and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dedicated time was also allocated each week to research and academic work, including study design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. This research time was essential in allowing me to develop projects independently while benefiting from regular feedback and mentorship.
In addition, the week included seminars, journal clubs, case presentations, and meetings, which fostered continuous learning and critical discussion. The dynamic mix of clinics, structured academic activities, and interaction with an international group of colleagues made each week deeply rewarding, and ensured constant professional and personal growth.
Why did you choose this specific Scholarship Center?
Choosing the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Zurich was a very conscious and deeply personal decision. For years, this clinic represented for me the highest standard in implant dentistry and prosthodontics, where clinical excellence, scientific rigor, and innovation truly coexist. As someone who is passionate about both clinical work and research, this was exactly the environment I aspired to be part of.
Equally important was the mentorship culture of the center. From the very beginning, the openness, support, and collaborative spirit of the faculty created a strong sense of belonging and made me feel genuinely valued as part of the team. Becoming an ITI Scholar in Zurich was not just a professional step, it was truly a dream come true. Finally, the strong connection of the center to the international ITI network offered unparalleled exposure to global perspectives, collaborations, and lifelong professional relationships, making this Scholarship Center the ideal place for my development.
Did you feel you were learning a lot?
Yes, absolutely. Learning was constant and deeply engaging throughout my ITI Scholarship year.
Clinically, working at the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Zurich meant being challenged daily by complex implant and prosthodontic cases, where precision, critical discussion, and long-term thinking were central. Learning was embedded in every clinical decision.
Academically, I was deeply involved in high-quality clinical research, particularly randomized controlled trials and multi-center studies. The clinic’s highly structured study management framework – from study design and ethics to data management and monitoring – was a major asset and showed me what impactful, well-organized clinical research truly looks like. This year challenged me in the best possible way and fundamentally shaped how I approach both clinical dentistry and research.
What were your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you returned home? And how did this experience influence your current position?
At the beginning of my ITI Scholarship, I saw this year as a formative step to further strengthen my clinical and academic background before moving on to the next phase of my career. What I did not anticipate was how deeply this experience would shape my professional direction.
Being immersed in the environment of the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry at the University of Zurich opened opportunities that went far beyond my initial expectations. I felt from early on a strong sense of belonging, of being welcomed and valued as part of a team that truly felt like a family. So, I was deeply honored to be offered the opportunity to stay in Zurich and continue in our Clinic as an Academic Associate, which feels incredibly meaningful and motivating.
I will always be profoundly grateful to ITI for opening these doors and for trusting me with this path. This scholarship did not simply influence my career, but it defined its direction.
Would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
Without hesitation, I would strongly recommend the ITI Scholarship program. Speaking from my own experience, this is a program that stays with you long after the year itself ends.
For young professionals who are not looking for comfort but for real growth, the ITI Scholarship places you in a challenging and inspiring environment where you are treated as a colleague, encouraged to think independently, and trusted to take responsibility. Being part of the ITI is not just about training; it is about becoming part of a professional culture that shapes your mindset for the long term. And if I had to say just two words to future scholars, these would be: Dream Big!
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 47 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.
