The ITI Scholarship Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine is based in the department of Periodontics and department of Prosthodontics. ITI Scholars will work directly with Dr. Ravida, Dr. Karayazgan and Dr. Levine, who are trained in Periodontics or Prosthodontics. The center was designed to offer an interdisciplinary platform for ITI Scholars, emphasizing comprehensive patient care, cutting-edge research, and a multifaceted educational experience. The program is distinguished by its commitment to providing an integrative learning environment that bridges clinical practice with theory. ITI Scholar will be involved in an intensive curriculum that includes the full spectrum of implant dentistry, from diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning to surgical and prosthetic management. The program is structured to facilitate clinical experiences under the mentorship of faculty, aiming to enhance the scholar’s clinical skills with an evidence-based approach. The scholarship center places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging scholars to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to the broader knowledge base of Implant Dentistry. Through this comprehensive approach, our aim is to train scholars who are not only proficient in the latest techniques and technologies but also dedicated to working as team members. The ITI Scholarship Center at the University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in dental education, patient care, and research, preparing scholars to become leaders in the field of Implant Dentistry.    

The ITI Scholarship Center at the University of Pittsburgh besides its role as a leading institution for advanced implantology training; it also creates a community deeply rooted in belonging and shared purpose. The ITI scholar will become integral to an extensive global network, connecting with dental professionals worldwide.
In this collaborative and interdisciplinary educational environment, scholar will work closely with faculty from various specialties. This holistic approach enhances clinical and theoretical proficiency while creating a collaborative spirit.
Additionally, scholar will be connected to the ITI philosophy, becoming well-versed in its principles. With this knowledge, the scholar is expected to spread these ideals, contributing to the broader dental community and advancing the field of implant dentistry.

The ITI Scholar will participate in the following clinical activities: 

☒      Treatment planning sessions 
☒      Performing oral hygiene procedures and maintenance  
☒      Observing patient treatment 
☒      Assisting in patient treatment 
☒      Treating patients under faculty supervision
     ☒      Placing implants 
     ☒      Restoring implants 
☐      Treating patients alone 
     ☐      Placing implants 
     ☐      Restoring implants 
☒      Laboratory and procedures associated with treatment 

ITI Scholars will need to obtain a limited license to work with patients. The Scholarship Center will determine the extent of patient treatment based on the progression of skills demonstrated by the scholar during their time in the Center.

The ITI Scholar will participate in the following research activities: 

☒      Development and coordinated involvement with existing center research activities
☒      Involvement in preclinical research 
☒      Involvement in translational research
☒      Involvement in clinical research  
☒      Mentors will be assigned to the Scholar according to their research preference 
☒      Scholars will be able to start their own research projects 

The Scholar's time will be allocated to the activities below as follows (estimate): 
 

• 20% patient care
• 50% research 
• 30% didactic (lectures and/or courses the Scholar can attend) 

The lectures, classes and/or courses the Scholar can attend will be held in the following language:  English 

Language requirements: 
☒      Fluency in English  
☒      TOEFL or IELTS certificate as proof of proficiency in English (for non-native English speakers) by the beginning of the ITI Scholarship year. Applicants are recommended to have a cumulative score of (please insert scores in the text boxes):  80  on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or  6.5  overall band score on the IELTS.     

TOEFL or IELTS certificate as proof of proficiency in English (for non-native-English speakers) is required by the beginning of the ITI Scholarship year. This will allow the ITI Scholar to obtain a limited student license, which is issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. The limited license is necessary to work with patients. The language certificate must be valid (no older than two years) at the time of application for the limited license. The ITI Scholar is responsible for organizing and providing the required language certificate.

Special requirements:
At least two years' postgraduate training in Periodontology, Oral surgery or Prosthodontics. Research experience supported by scientific publications is desired.

The ability to treat patients is reliant upon the granting of an appropriate Pennsylvania license. Upon acceptance into the Scholarship Program, successful applicants must apply for and receive an appropriate visa, limited dental license, and malpractice insurance at their own expense. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon the receipt of the appropriate visa and immigration status (F-1 visa), and the right to come to work and study in the United States is determined by U.S. Immigration laws. All living expenses while in the United States will be the responsibility of the Scholar.

Scholarship Center Chair: Prof. Dr. Andrea Ravidà
Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

E-mail:  [email protected]

Scholarship Center Chair: Prof. Dr. Banu Karayazgan
Department of Prosthodontics
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

E-mail:  [email protected]

Scholarship Co-Center Chair: Prof. Robert Levine
Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

Email:  [email protected]