Every year in June, the ITI opens the application portal for its Scholarships. We took this opportunity to ask one of our former Scholars, Liezl Dawson from South Africa, about her experience, her daily work and what she liked most about it. She started her Scholarship year in September 2024 at the ITI Scholarship Center in Copenhagen, Denmark.
What are the three most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
The year felt less like a training year and more like stepping into a Viking saga; equal parts adventure, resilience, and discovery from the tip of Africa to the tip of Denmark.
Hygge: The ultimate Danish skill
Hygge is the soul of Danish life. It’s the art of finding warmth and connection even when winter storms feel like they could sink a longship. Professionally, it taught me the importance of creating joy and calm in the midst of a demanding schedule. Hygge became my daily shield, simple moments that restored strength.
Forging alliances: Viking-style bonds
From pedalling my bike to work through wind, rain, and snow (the modern equivalent of a Viking ship navigating rough seas!) to sharing pastries and Danish beer by the Nyhavn canal, I built strong friendships and warrior-level camaraderie. These alliances are the kind of which Vikings told tales.
The global battlefield of knowledge
I traveled widely in the realm of education, attending the dental trauma symposium in Copenhagen, the ITI Education Day in Aarhus, many study club evenings, and the ITI Education Week in Bern. Each event felt like gathering strategic wisdom from distant territories, preparing me for future professional quests.
Could you give us an idea of how your working week was structured?
About 50% of my time was dedicated to research and 50% to clinical work. This included examining implant patients, assisting in implant-related procedures, and attending daily seminars. I also had the opportunity to assist in other maxillofacial surgeries. It was the ideal training for anyone aspiring to become a well-rounded surgical Jarl or chieftain.
Why did you choose this specific Scholarship Center?
I had one clear mission: to gain international experience in a world-class maxillofacial and oral surgery department. When the Copenhagen team invited me to become their first-ever ITI Scholar, I knew immediately this was the kind of opportunity that shapes careers. From day one, working alongside internationally renowned surgeons felt like joining a legendary Viking crew, immersed in a culture of excellence, learning techniques and mindsets that elevate your practice beyond what you thought possible.
Did you get enough support to do your job well?
Absolutely. The support I received was the strong, steady keel that kept my longship firmly on course. A special mention goes to Prof. Simon Storgård Jensen, my steadfast captain throughout the journey. My office teammates, Dr Sanne Andersen and Iben Poulsen, enriched the year with wisdom, humor, and the deeper meaning of Danish life. Vibeke Nielsen guided me through patient care while sharing unforgettable Danish experiences. The ITIdeserves recognition for setting this entire quest in motion and for being so remarkably organized. And finally, my gratitude extends to the entire Department of Maxillofacial Surgery in Copenhagen, misogi welcomed me into their formidable clan from the very first day.
Did you feel you were learning a lot?
Without a doubt. I gained extensive clinical and research experience; skills sharpened like a Viking blade. This year didn’t just give me knowledge; it gave me confidence. I now feel prepared to lead my own professional expeditions with certainty and courage.
What were your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you returned home? And how did this experience influence your current position?
My plan was to bring home the techniques I learned and share them with fellow implantologists. The Scholarship opened doors I didn’t even know existed and placed me in a world of boundless possibilities, like standing at the edge of a vast map, with a new voyage beginning in every direction.
Why would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
I recommend it wholeheartedly, not only for the exceptional dental implant training, but for a year of personal growth, global networking, and transformative learning.
Truly, a misogi year…a rite of passage worthy of a Viking.
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 every year. Don’t hesitate any longer and apply now!
More information available on our website.
