An opportunity to reinstate and lead a specialist training program in periodontics has attracted Professor Saso Ivanovski back to UQ’s School of Dentistry where he was a student and academic staff member between 1989-2006.
A registered periodontist, Professor Ivanovski said it was during his undergraduate studies that he was inspired by several mentors to pursue his career in periodontics.
“Having such strong and respected mentors in this area gave me the motivation to complete a PhD in the field of periodontal regeneration and specialist clinical training in the field of periodontics,” Professor Ivanovski said.
“In my new role at UQ, I am looking forward to progressing my research in regenerative dentistry to ultimately impact the health and life quality of patients.”
Professor Ivanovski’s most recent position was chair and Professor of Periodontology at the Griffith University School of Dentistry and Oral Health, where he led the specialist training program in periodontology and was discipline lead of dental implantology.
Professor Ivanovski is also the former federal president of the Australian Society of Periodontology and the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and is a fellow of the International Team of Implantology, the Academy of Dentistry International and the International College of Dentists.
“I am very lucky to work in an area I love and have enjoyed mentoring postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and professional clinical doctorate students who have gone on to have successful careers,” Professor Ivanovski said.
“Having the ability to draw on the positive experiences I have had and inspire students to excel in their desired profession is very fulfilling.”
Professor Ivanovski will lead a research group within the UQ School of Dentistry, with a focus on the clinical and biological aspects of orofacial reconstruction and regeneration.
