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Scholarship Center

University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine

Departments of Periodontics and Prosthodontics

 

About the Scholarship Center

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.

Scholarship Center Chairs

Scholarship Center Co-Chair
Prof. Dr. Andrea Ravidà

Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Scholarship Center Chair
Prof. Dr. Banu Karazgayan

Department of Prosthodontics

Scholarship Center Co-Chair
Prof. Dr. Robert Levine

Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Activities

Activities during the Scholarship year

Activities during the Scholarship Year

Clinical activities the ITI Scholar will participate in during the Scholarship year
Treatment planning sessions
Performing oral hygiene procedures and maintenance
Observing patient treatment
Assisting in patient treatment
Treating patients under faculty supervision: placing implants
Treating patients under faculty supervision: restoring implants
Treating patients alone: placing implants
Treating patients alone: restoring implants
Laboratory and procedures associated with treatment
Local regulations and special requirements the Scholar must fulfill to be able to participate in clinical activities and treat patients

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.

Postgraduate education/specialization
Postgraduate training in the following specialty/one of the following specialties is a must:
Postgraduate training in the following specialty/one of the following specialties is an advantage: Periodontology, Oral Surgery or Prosthodontics
Min. three years of professional clinical experience as a qualified dentist required
Min. three years of professional clinical experience as a qualified dentist including implant dentistry required
Research activities the ITI Scholar will participate in during the Scholarship year
Involvement in preclinical research
Involvement in translational research
Involvement in clinical research
Coordinated involvement with existing center research activities
Mentors will be assigned to the Scholar according to their research preference
Scholars will be able to start their own research projects
Research experience required
Research experience supported by peer-reviewed scientific publications (original papers) is a must.
Research experience supported by peer-reviewed scientific publications (original papers) is desired.
No research experience required.

During the scholarship year, the Scholar's time will be allocated to the activities below as follows (estimate)

20%
Patient care
50%
Research
30%
Didactic
Language requirements

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. Applicants are recommended to have a cumulative score of 80 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS.

Cost of living

We strongly advise you to consider cost of living (housing/rent, food, transportation, etc.) in the city of this ITI Scholarship Center, as certain destinations can be very expensive. It is essential to understand that the ITI scholarship stipend does not cover all living expenses but only contributes to these. Therefore, make sure you are fully aware of the cost of living in the city of this Scholarship Center if you consider applying for it. You must be prepared to co-finance the cost of living out of your own pocket. The ITI cannot provide additional funding during the scholarship year.

Contact details:

Prof. Dr. Andrea Ravidà
Co-Chair

Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

E-mail: [email protected]

Prof. Dr. Banu Karayazgan
Chair

Department of Prosthodontics
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

E-mail: [email protected]

Prof. Robert Levine
Co-Chair

Department of Periodontics and Preventive Dentistry
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
3501, Terrace Street
Pittsburgh(PA), 15213, USA

Email: [email protected]