Every year in June, the ITI opens the application portal for its Scholarships. We took this opportunity to ask one of our former Scholars, Hiromi Taninokuchi from Japan, 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 Geneva, Switzerland.
I completed my scholarship in the Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials at the University of Geneva under the supervision of Prof. Irena Sailer. This experience was a true milestone that has shaped my life and career in an unprecedented way, profoundly influencing both my professional vision and personal growth.
During this period, I was exposed to diverse perspectives in oral implantology and advanced fixed prosthodontics, with a strong emphasis on the Geneva concept of minimally invasive dentistry aimed at preserving dental substance to the maximum extent possible. This philosophy has become a cornerstone of my clinical approach and long-term treatment planning.
Prior to my time in Geneva, I completed a full-time postgraduate training program consisting of one year at the University of Tokushima in Stomatognathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, followed by four years at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) in the Oral Implantology Department, where I received advanced education and clinical training in fixed prosthodontics and oral implantology. The ITI scholarship year in Geneva complemented this curriculum, integrating biological principles, esthetics, and precision-based prosthodontics, and ultimately contributing to my development as a more complete and thoughtful clinician.
Following a direct invitation from Prof. Daniel Buser, I had the exceptional opportunity during my scholarship to visit and assist in his surgeries two to three times per month. This experience was truly remarkable, as it allowed me to witness live and firsthand the impeccable surgical procedures of Prof. Buser. Widely recognized as the father of modern implant dentistry and GBR, Prof. Buser’s precision, respect for biology, and uncompromising principles left a lasting and deep impression on me. I am profoundly grateful for this unique opportunity, which has inspired me to embrace and carry forward his legacy for the rest of my professional life.
Beyond the clinical and academic training, I was also fortunate to meet and interact with inspiring professionals and true leaders in the field of oral implantology who share the same passion and dedication to implant dentistry. These connections fostered meaningful exchanges of knowledge, strengthened a sense of global professional community, and further motivated me to continuously strive for excellence in my career.
I sincerely encourage young clinicians in our field to apply for this extraordinary scholarship and to fully embrace this truly life-changing opportunity. Joining the ITI family means becoming part of a global community committed to excellence, education, and innovation, and to continuing to shape the future of our profession together.
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 46 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.
