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

I am Dr. Wenjie Zhou, a practitioner and researcher at the Second Dental Clinic, Ninth People’s Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. I completed my dental education and specialization in Implantology at Tongji University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I am an ITI Fellow and was an ITI Scholar in the Department of Regenerative and Implant Sciences at Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2017. My clinical interests and expertise focus on comprehensive oral rehabilitation with implant treatment, and I am actively involved in research related to tissue engineering of bone substitute materials.

I have always wanted to become a doctor, driven by a deep desire to help others. Over more than a decade of rigorous training, culminating in a PhD and years of clinical practice, I have realized that dentistry allows me not only to relieve pain and restore oral health but also to restore essential oral functions such as chewing. As a female clinician, I am particularly passionate about anterior aesthetic restorations. Helping patients regain a beautiful smile brings me immense satisfaction, and I deeply enjoy discussing aesthetic considerations with my patients, especially female patients, to achieve results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Dentistry, for me, has become a profession that combines medical knowledge, technical skill, and the ability to positively impact patients’ lives on multiple levels.

How did you find out about the scholarships of the Osteology Foundation? Why did you decide to apply for the Osteology Foundation scholarship and what were your expectations, when you applied?

I learned about the Osteology Foundation scholarships through professional colleagues and the Foundation’s website, which highlighted opportunities for international researchers to engage in advanced scientific training and collaborative projects. What attracted me most to this scholarship was its strong focus on research, distinguishing it from other programs that are more clinically oriented. My previous research, including my PhD project, centered on tissue reconstruction and regeneration, which closely aligns with the Osteology Foundation’s emphasis on regenerative techniques and implant dentistry.

When applying, I specifically sought the opportunity to work with Professor Frank Schwarz, whose expertise in peri-implantitis research closely matches my own academic interests. I recognized that this scholarship would provide a unique platform to gain in-depth experience in this field and contribute to cutting-edge studies. My expectation was to expand my research skills, acquire practical knowledge in peri-implantitis and tissue regeneration, and actively participate in projects with real translational potential. I felt honored to be able to join this program, as it allowed me to enter a research area that I am highly passionate about and see significant future development.

Reflecting on your time within the research team, what aspects of the team dynamics or local culture stood out to you?

During my scholarship year, I was deeply impressed by the collaborative and supportive nature of our research team. My mentor, Professor Frank Schwarz, provided excellent guidance and shared his extensive expertise in peri-implantitis research, which greatly shaped my learning experience. In addition, Dr. Ausra Ramanauskaite and Dr. Emilio Cafferata were exceptionally friendly and supportive. Both are highly successful and experienced researchers, and I greatly respected the valuable opportunities they offered me. Working alongside them allowed me to observe their professional approaches, discuss scientific ideas in depth, and benefit from their practical knowledge. I consider the experience of collaborating with such accomplished colleagues to be one of the most valuable aspects of my scholarship year. The team’s openness, generosity, and professionalism created an environment in which I could grow as a researcher and fully engage with our projects.

Additionally, I experienced the local culture of Germany, which emphasized precision, punctuality, and clear communication. These aspects greatly facilitated my integration into the team, enhanced my efficiency in conducting experiments, and enriched my understanding of international research standards.

What future development in your career are you most anticipating?

Looking ahead, I plan to continue my work at the university-affiliated hospital, where I will take on responsibilities in clinical practice, research, and teaching. I remain highly interested and passionate about peri-implantitis, a challenging area in implant dentistry, and I hope to develop research projects that further explore its prevention and management. The experience and skills I gained during my Osteology Foundation scholarship—including preclinical research techniques, advanced imaging, and quantitative analysis of graft stability—will be directly applied to both my clinical practice and future research initiatives. I also hope to maintain long-term collaboration with my mentor, Professor Frank Schwartz, and the team, building on the knowledge exchange and guidance that have been invaluable to me. Ultimately, my goal is to translate these experiences into improved patient care, innovative research, and high-quality teaching, contributing to the advancement of peri-implantitis management in China.

Learn more about the Osteology research scholarships.