Every year in June, the ITI opens the application portal for its Scholarship Program. We took this opportunity to ask one of our former Scholars, Theesan Ananda Vedan from South Africa, about his experience, his daily work, and what he enjoyed most about it. Theesan began his Scholarship year in 2024 at the ITI Scholarship Center in Malmö, Sweden.
What are the three most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
First, the profound immersion in a preventive and precision-driven clinical philosophy. Witnessing firsthand how Swedish dentistry integrates digital workflows, meticulous diagnostics, and a strong emphasis on long-term maintenance reshaped my understanding of sustainable patient care.
Second, the hands-on engagement with cutting-edge biomaterials and techniques, specifically focused on managing peri-implantitis. My experience with the use of zirconia as a non-resorbable membrane for regenerative therapy provided deep, practical insights into innovative solutions for a growing global challenge. Working alongside experts at Malmö University allowed me to move beyond theoretical knowledge to an understanding of application and outcomes, which is invaluable for my specialization in periodontology and implantology.
Third, the integration into the global ITI community. The scholarship was far more than a local placement; it was a passport to an international network. Attending major conferences like EuroPerio and the ITI Global Conference in Paris and connecting with leading clinicians and researchers instilled a powerful sense of being part of a collective effort to advance the field.
Could you give us an idea of how your working week was structured?
My week was strategically balanced between clinical observation, research, and academic engagement. Typically, I would spend 2-3 days in clinical rotations at specialist periodontology and implant clinics across the Skåne region. Here, I observed consultations, treatment planning, advanced surgical procedures (including guided bone regeneration and implant placement), and maintenance protocols, with a focus on digital integration and interdisciplinary care.
1-2 days were dedicated to my primary research project on zirconia membranes for peri-implantitis under the mentorship of Prof. Stavropoulos. This involved literature review, analyzing clinical data, participating in lab sessions to study material properties, and engaging in detailed case discussions with the research team.
The remainder of the week was filled with academic activities: attending departmental seminars and journal clubs, teaching sessions for postgraduate students, and working on my own academic content creation (leveraging my concurrent role with the London Dental Institute). This structure ensured a comprehensive learning experience that connected daily clinical reality with evidence-based research and scholarly discourse.
Why did you choose this particular Scholarship Center?
I chose Malmö University and the Tandvårdshögskolan in Halmstad for three compelling reasons. Primarily, it was the opportunity to learn under Professor Andreas Stavropoulos, a world-renowned figure in periodontology and implantology whose work on biomaterials and regeneration I have long admired. His expertise directly aligned with my clinical and research interests in advanced regenerative solutions. Secondly, I sought exposure to the Scandinavian model of dental care, which is globally respected for its high standards, emphasis on prevention, and innovative use of technology. Finally, the ITI’s strong association with the center guaranteed a structured, high-quality educational experience within a recognized global network.
Did you feel you were learning a lot?
Absolutely, profoundly so. The learning was multidimensional and continuous. Clinically, I was exposed to techniques and technologies, from advanced digital planning to novel surgical protocols, that were not part of my core training in South Africa. From a research perspective, being guided through a focused project on the forefront of biomaterial science significantly deepened my methodological and critical appraisal skills.
Perhaps most importantly, I learned a great deal about clinical philosophy and systems-based thinking. Observing how a well-organized, prevention-focused healthcare system operates, how specialists collaborate, and how patient education is prioritized provided lessons that go beyond any single procedure. This year was a masterclass in becoming a more thoughtful, innovative, and globally aware specialist.
What were your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you returned home? And how did this experience influence your current position?
Upon returning, my plan was to integrate my new knowledge into clinical practice, academic teaching, and research in South Africa. I aimed to champion the preventive, precision-based approaches I learned, apply advanced regenerative techniques for complex cases, and contribute to raising the standard of care for peri-implant diseases.
This experience directly catalyzed my current hybrid role. Clinically and academically, I am better equipped in my periodontal specialty. The exposure to world-class education methodologies also reinforced my passion for teaching, which I actively pursue through academic content creation for the London Dental Institute. Furthermore, the scholarship solidified my research trajectory, as seen in my recent publications and poster presentations on implantology and registry data. It has positioned me as a clinician-scientist with a refreshed, international perspective, committed to addressing local challenges with globally informed, evidence-based solutions.
Why would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
The ITI Scholarship is a transformative career accelerator, not just an educational placement. It provides unparalleled access to world-leading mentors and institutions, fostering deep clinical and research learning in a supportive environment. Beyond technical skills, it cultivates a global mindset, connecting you to an invaluable international network of peers and leaders.
For a young professional, it is a unique opportunity to step outside your local context, challenge your assumptions, and absorb best practices from a different healthcare system. The program doesn’t just teach you how to perform procedures; it shapes how you think about patient care, scientific inquiry, and your role in the global dental community. It is an investment that pays dividends in clinical confidence, research capability, and professional connections for a lifetime.”
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.
