Isabelle Manso just finished her scholarship year in London with mentor Nikos Donos. Deepening her clinical research in periodontology and implant dentistry, while working alongside some of the most renowned experts in the field remain lasting benefits. Not to forget the countless new friendships in and beyond the lab.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your personal background and what made you start a career in dentistry?

I studied all my life in Brazil and I have always been attracted to the life sciences, especially health. My father is an engineer and my mother a nutritionist. They have always supported me in all my endeavours. My parents always showed me that I had the freedom to choose my career, and they both wanted me to do something I would enjoy. I left school at 16, too young to decide what I wanted to do with my life. However, I had no doubts about choosing dentistry. I did not know exactly why at the time, but there was something about teeth and smiles that made me want to pursue it and learn more.

The first time I went to the dentist was when I was 6 years old, because my mother wanted to remove a decayed baby tooth at home. She always tells me this story and I remember saying: "If I have to take the tooth out, we have to go to the dentist". When I was in a dentist's office, I thought it was a great environment, everything was so clean and tidy, it seemed like a fascinating place to work. Nothing could go wrong in such a peaceful environment. So I was on my 16th birthday and decided to go into dentistry. It could have gone wrong from a very young age, but strangely enough I could never see myself in any other profession.

 Isabella at London Hospital Medical College - Queen Mary Heritage

What is your highlight of the Osteology Scholarship year?

If I had to define one take-home message from this whole year as an Osteology Scholar, it would be: We are bigger than our dreams. Not even in my best dreams could I have imagined meeting so many great people, creating a research network that I can rely on, learning, studying and working with mentors who are referenced and recognised in the field worldwide. The Osteology Fellowship has provided me with a brilliant experience to explore research at different levels. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

 Isabella Manso with mentor Nikos Donos and her team

How did the scholarship year help you to grow, both privately and professionally?

My time as an Osteology Scholar has expanded the academic and personal aspects of my life immeasurably. My knowledge of periodontology and implant dentistry increased significantly during the scholarship, while my view of research was broadened and aligned with what is being done in dentistry worldwide. The deep immersion in clinical research allowed me to acquire a differentiated knowledge of research study development, clinical techniques, data analysis, scientific planning and multi-centre project design. In addition, many connections were made with different people and professionals during this time, creating a great scientific network for future projects. On a personal level, I was able to see and interact with so many people from different cultures and walks of life, that I could never have imagined. I made friends from all over the world. Seeing the world from outside of our comfort zone makes us think about it in a completely different way.

In the lab with Nikos Donos

With the Osteology Scholarship under your belt, what will be the next step in your career as a researcher or clinician?

My next step is to contribute and complete all the research I was involved in during my scholarship period, and to keep the great network for the development of future projects in the field of oral tissue regeneration. I am also in the process of completing my PhD in implant dentistry (at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina). After that, I plan to pursue a career in academia, trying to combine teaching, dental practice and research in a very lively way. I also hope to return the favour and stay connected with the Osteology Foundation, which I consider to be a fascinating global organisation that supports research and education.

Hands-on experience in modern dentistry

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