As one of Australia’s leading oral health educators, the School of Dentistry at the University of Queensland is nationally and internationally recognized for its education, research, renowned academic staff members, alumni and quality of students. The School of Dentistry has a long and proud history of over 80 years in dental education and research, attracting high achieving staff and students internationally. The school focuses on developing graduates of the highest standard through excellence in teaching and learning, and clinicians who are well prepared for the clinical, academic and research workforce.

The University of Queensland is a leading source of expertise in the local, national and international dental community and has been a key contributor to achieving effective solutions to contemporary challenges in dentistry. Research within the School is independently rated as ‘well above world class’. The School of Dentistry draws on the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, who together form a center of excellence in research, training, and patient care, under the auspices of the Centre for Orofacial Regeneration, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (COR3).

The ITI Scholarship at the University of Queensland is based in the Department of Periodontics. ITI Scholars have access to other faculty members representing the various specialties involved in implant dentistry.

During the Scholarship year, 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, intra-oral scans, research data collection  

ITI Scholars must hold a dental diploma issued in Australia to treat patients and need to obtain a limited license to work with patients. Information on the registration process can be found here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/dental  Obtaining registration for treating patients is very challenging in Australia. It is possible to obtain limited registration for research purposes (data collection), although this is also not straight forward.  

During the Scholarship year, 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  

Our center is strong in research and research opportunities will be provided based on experience. Research experience supported by scientific publications (original papers) is desired.  
 

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

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

The Scholar can attend undergraduate and postgraduate classes in periodontics and prosthodontics. We have specialist training programs in periodontics and prosthodontics and the scholar can participate in teaching and learning activities. 

ITI Scholars have the possibility to participate and assist in clinical treatment carried out by the Division Chair, senior faculty as well as postgraduate students. Authorization for ‘independent’ treatment of implant patients with problems of varying degrees of complexity will depend on the competencies of the individual ITI Scholar. These will be assessed during the initial period of the program and will be subject to obtaining registration through the local registration authority. Applicants with postgraduate education in periodontics, prosthodontics or other significant implant dentistry experience and/or previous clinical and pre-clinical research experience are preferred.

ITI Scholars will have access to seminars and weekly journal clubs with the postgraduate periodontics and prosthodontics students. They will be able to attend the multidisciplinary treatment planning sessions at the Oral Health Center.

There will be opportunity for the Scholar to become involved with one of the ongoing research projects at the OHC. It will be desirable for a research project to be initiated and progressed/completed during the scholarship year and, if possible, to participate in at least one pre-clinical or clinical project. If appropriate, research methodology training will be provided to the ITI Scholar.

Language requirements:

☒      Fluency in English
☒      TOEFL or IELTS certificate as proof of proficiency in English (for non-native English speakers) required by the beginning of the ITI Scholarship year. Applicants are recommended to have a cumulative score of 80 on the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) or 7 overall band score on the IELTS.

Information on language skills and level needed to work with patients can be found here: https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines/faq/english-language-skills.aspx

Proficiency in English is important as the program is entirely in English.

Special requirements:

At least two years’ postgraduate training in periodontics, prosthodontics or implant dentistry is an advantage.  

Applicants will have the opportunity to undertake research, including involvement in clinical research projects, and get involved with various academic activities in implant dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics. Opportunities for direct independent patient care are limited unless the applicant is fully registered to practice in Australia. 

The right to provide patient care under supervision is regulated by the Dental Board of Australia. Upon acceptance in the program and being granted a visa, the applicants are expected to apply for a limited registration for supervised practice through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The limited registration is subject to the applicant meeting the registration standards set out by the Dental Board of Australia. Proficiency in English is required, TOEFL or IELTS certificate may be used as proof of proficiency (for non-native English speakers).

Scholarship Center Chair: Prof. Saso Ivanovski
School of Dentistry, University of Queensland
288 Herston Road
Herston, QLD, Australia 4006
Email:  [email protected]