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, Vecihe Merve Balta Uysal from Turkey, about her experience, her daily work, and what she enjoyed most about it. Vecihe began her Scholarship year in 2024 at the ITI Scholarship Center in Belgrade, Serbia.
What are the three most memorable things you will take away from your Scholarship year?
During my scholarship year, I had the opportunity to significantly broaden my role as a periodontist. While I was already experienced in implant placement, this year allowed me to take full responsibility for my patients by managing advanced cases and being deeply involved in the prosthetic phases from examination and diagnosis to treatment planning and overseeing every stage through provisional and final restorations. Under the guidance of outstanding and highly experienced supervisors, I performed procedures across nearly all clinical scenarios from immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone to complete implant-supported fixed prostheses, which allowed me to gain invaluable clinical experience. I primarily used digital methods but incorporated analog techniques when necessary, gaining a thorough understanding of the advantages and limitations of both approaches. Importantly, I also actively engaged in collaborative scientific research projects as part of a multidisciplinary team. Being involved in both clinical and in-vitro studies broadened my understanding of different research settings and methodologies. Participating in various stages of these projects enhanced my research skills and enabled me to contribute effectively to study design, implementation, and data analysis.
Another memorable moment was having the chance to present collaborative cases at the ITI Study Club. With the invaluable support of my mentor, Prof. Aleksa Markovic, sharing the cases we managed together in front of colleagues and senior professionals was inspiring and transformative. This experience further developed my presentation and communication skills.
Additionally, my scholarship year offered wonderful opportunities to attend prestigious courses and congresses such as the Straumann ProArch Course, ITI Educational Week Belgrade, Prof. Anton Sculean’s The Bernese Concept For Treatment Management of Soft Tissue Defects at Teeth and Implants, Digital Guided Surgery Course-Complex Level, The Denti Congress, and ITI Annual Global Conference in France. These events allowed me to meet distinguished professors and colleagues worldwide, expand my professional network, and gain new perspectives on dentistry and research.
Could you give us an idea of how your working week was structured?
My Scholarship Center provided the valuable opportunity to be involved directly in patient care under the guidance of experienced supervisors. My working week was well-structured and highly efficient, largely because the Implant Center brought together all implantology-related departments in one location, providing easy access to all areas. Typically, my mornings were dedicated to patient examinations and discussing treatment indications with supervisors. Throughout the week, I would perform surgical or prosthetic procedures for my patients according to the planned treatments. On specific days, I was responsible for organizing patient appointments and collecting clinical parameters related to our study. I used the remaining hours to practice using the CoDiagnostix software, further enhancing my diagnostic and planning skills.
Did you feel you were learning a lot?
Absolutely. Stepping out of my comfort zone, building a life in a new country, and adapting to a completely different working environment all contributed significantly to my personal growth. The Implant Center provided a dynamic atmosphere where there was always something to learn at every moment of the day. By making full use of my time in this enriching environment, I was able to maximize the benefits and continuously expand my knowledge and skills.
What were your plans for the time after your Scholarship when you returned home? And how did this experience influence your current position?
After returning from my scholarship, I resumed my roles as a lecturer and researcher at Kocaeli University to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills I gained during the program into both my educational and clinical practices. At the same time, I remain open to exploring new opportunities that will further my professional growth and broaden my experience. I also continue to maintain close collaborations with the my scholarship center through ongoing and planned research projects, and I aim to expand this network of connections and partnerships with other centers whenever possible. Through these activities, I strive to contribute to the scientific community by promoting effective teaching and knowledge sharing aligned with the philosophy of evidence-based treatment.
Why would you recommend our Scholarship program to other young professionals?
The ITI Scholarship program offers much more than just a one year implantology training at a university. The program provides a unique and complete experience where future leaders in implantology can develop important skills such as leadership, teamwork, research, and teaching. It encourages a mindset focused on continual learning and improvement. Participants get the valuable chance to work closely and connect with inspiring experts and pioneers in the field over an extended period, learning directly from them through a balanced and clear approach. For young colleagues who are keen to learn something new every day and to improve their clinical and research skills, this program is an excellent opportunity. I strongly encourage them to apply and take full advantage of it.
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.
