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

I grew up in a simple, working class family which created an environment that valued curiosity, manual craftsmanship, and helping others, which naturally shaped my interest in the medical sciences. Dentistry appealed to me early on because it combines delicate clinical work with patient care. I have always enjoyed working with my hands, finding satisfaction and reward in precise and detailed work. My curiosity initially led me toward oral surgery, where I have been working for several years. Over time, I realized that to truly elevate my surgical outcomes, I needed a deeper understanding of periodontology, particularly the biological principles underlying tissue healing and regeneration. This realization sparked my growing interest in periodontology and motivated me to expand my training.

Daniel Domic with Mentor Mariano Sanz

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 first learned about the Osteology Foundation Scholarship through the Research Scholarship Center in Vienna and through Prof. Reinhard Gruber, whose scientific vision and leadership have been a great source of inspiration. In addition, previous Osteology Research Scholars who spent time in Vienna shared highly positive experiences, which further motivated me to explore this opportunity.

I decided to apply because I wanted to learn directly from Prof. Mariano Sanz, whose work has shaped modern periodontology and continues to influence the field. Coming from an oral surgery background, I was motivated to deepen my understanding of periodontal regeneration in order to broaden both my scientific and clinical training. I hoped that working in this environment would allow me to refine laboratory skills related to cell-based regenerative approaches, gain exposure to evidence-based periodontal treatment concepts, and integrate this knowledge into my future academic and clinical activities. Ultimately, I viewed the scholarship as an invaluable opportunity to grow into a more well-rounded clinician-scientist.


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

What impressed me most was the genuine warmth and openness of everyone I encountered, from the people in the cafeteria to the entire research/clinic team. I immediately felt included, and colleagues were consistently approachable and willing to exchange ideas, answer questions, and offer guidance. The atmosphere was collaborative rather than competitive, which created space for learning and thoughtful discussion. I also appreciated the team’s openness to new perspectives and interdisciplinary input. Altogether, this supportive culture made my experience both professionally enriching and personally very meaningful.

The Madrid team: collaborative atmosphere

What future development in your career are you most anticipating?

I am most looking forward to developing my own research group, where I can continue exploring questions in oral regenerative medicine while creating an environment that supports curiosity, collaboration, and growth. I hope to guide and learn from young clinicians and researchers, and to build meaningful partnerships across disciplines and boarders. Moreover, I would be honored to deepen my involvement with the Osteology Foundation. My aim is not only to conduct high-quality research, but also to help foster a community that advances scientific knowledge responsibly and translates it into tangible benefits for patients. I see this path as a long-term commitment in which I can learn, serve, and grow alongside colleagues who share similar values.

Learn more about the Osteology Research Scholarships.