Building on success, investing in the future
Expanding oral health services in the Western Isles
The Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, form a chain of islands off the northwest coast of mainland Scotland. Characterised by their rugged beauty, close-knit communities and remote geography, these islands present unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery.
NHS Western Isles is committed to overcoming these barriers and delivering community-focused dental care across Scotland’s remote island communities. Central to this success is the nationally recognised Childsmile programme, which has significantly improved oral health outcomes for children through preventive interventions such as supervised toothbrushing and fluoride varnish applications.
The impact of Childsmile is clearly reflected in the National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP). Specifically for the Western Isles, in 2003, only around 36% of Primary 1 children were free from obvious dental decay. By 2024, this figure had risen to 73%. These results demonstrate the power of prevention in improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
Building on this success, NHS Western Isles is expanding its oral health services to ensure similar progress across all national Oral Health Improvement Plan initiatives are given more dedicated attention and resource. This year marks a significant milestone with the expansion of the Oral Health Improvement Team, introducing new roles – including an Oral Health Improvement Manager, Priority Groups Co-ordinator and a dedicated Childsmile Co-ordinator. These appointments will strengthen the service’s ability to plan and deliver holistic targeted support.
This sexpansion aligns with the Scottish Government’s Population Health Framework, which advocates for a shift from treatment to prevention with a concerted effort to reduce health inequalities. The framework emphasises the importance of tackling the root causes of poor health and creating conditions that support wellbeing across all communities.
In the Western Isles, where access to dental services can be challenging due to geography and workforce shortages, a renewed focus on prevention is essential. The region has a markedly ageing population, and dedicated resources are needed to support older adults and other priority groups. To inform future service delivery, NHS Western Isles is conducting an Oral Health Needs Assessment, which will guide targeted interventions and community outreach, particularly for individuals who face barriers to accessing clinics.
To further address access challenges, NHS Western Isles is launching a recruitment campaign to build and sustain a resilient dental workforce. This initiative aims to ensure that patients – from the Butt of Lewis to Barra – can access high-quality care when and where they need it. The recruitment drive is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about creating a sustainable, equitable service and making careers in remote and rural dentistry attractive and rewarding.
Joanne Bark, Director of Dentistry, shared her perspective: “There’s a huge degree of satisfaction knowing what a difference you can make within a small community, which can be hard to replicate in a busy mainland board. For dentists looking for the next step in their career and life milestones, this is a truly attractive place to work – surrounded by incredible landscapes and a strong sense of community. Having lived and worked here for nearly three years, I see the passion our team has for their local community. With a relatively small population, every addition to our team has a meaningful impact.”
NHS Western Isles will be recruiting in the coming months. Those interested in exploring island life or applying for permanent or temporary roles are encouraged to visit the NHS Western Isles Vacancies page or contact Joanne Bark.
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