AIDM prosthodontics resident secures coveted global ITI scholarship for advanced implant training

KARACHI: A final-year Prosthodontics resident at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) has earned one of the most prestigious international scholarships in implant dentistry, securing an opportunity to receive advanced clinical training and research experience in Japan through the highly competitive International Team for Implantology (ITI) Scholarship Programme.

Dr Tooba Shabbir has been selected for the 2026–2027 ITI Scholarship, a globally recognised programme that supports promising young clinicians by placing them at leading university-based implant dentistry centres for one year of intensive postgraduate training. Her selection places her among a limited number of early-career dental specialists chosen annually from around the world.

As part of the fully funded scholarship, Dr Shabbir will train at the Institute of Science Tokyo, formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), one of Japan's leading institutions for dental education and research. The scholarship centre is chaired by Prof Eriko Marukawa, with Prof Takanori Iwata, Prof Manabu Kanazawa and Assistant Prof Shunsuke Fukuba serving as co-chairs.

The ITI Scholarship Programme, established in 1998 by the International Team for Implantology, is widely regarded as one of the world's premier educational initiatives in implant dentistry. It enables selected clinicians to refine their skills in implant surgery, prosthetic rehabilitation, evidence-based treatment planning and clinical research while working alongside internationally recognised experts and building professional networks across the global dental community.

Competition for the scholarship is rigorous, with applicants evaluated on their academic excellence, clinical experience, research output and commitment to advancing implant dentistry. According to AIDM, Dr Shabbir's successful application reflects her strong academic performance, active involvement in research, peer-reviewed scientific publications and dedication to specialist training in prosthodontics.

The institute also acknowledged the mentorship of Prof Dr Naseer Ahmed, who supervised Dr Shabbir throughout her postgraduate training, and recognised the contribution of the ITI Karachi Study Clubs, led by Dr Fahad Umer of the Department of Dentistry at Aga Khan University Hospital, in supporting her professional development.

The achievement comes as implant dentistry continues to advance through innovations in digital workflows, regenerative therapies, biomaterials and computer-guided treatment planning. International fellowships such as the ITI Scholarship provide clinicians with exposure to these emerging technologies while strengthening research collaboration and specialist expertise.

For Pakistan's dental education community, the award highlights the growing international recognition of locally trained clinicians and underscores the value of postgraduate education, research excellence and global academic partnerships in developing the country's future dental specialists. Dr Shabbir is expected to return with advanced knowledge and clinical experience that can contribute to strengthening implant dentistry education and patient care in Pakistan.