Antony Visocchi, director of dentistry, said, “The lack of access to general dentistry for patients registered with NHS Shetland was a recognised problem prior to covid.
“This issue has developed due to many factors, not least the long-standing recruitment and retention issues across many rural and remote areas. Covid has highlighted this issue and has exacerbated the problem.”
Consequently, and for the foreseeable future, NHS Shetland Public Dental Service is still only able to provide an emergency/non-routine service for most patients.
Antony added, “The entire dental profession is now faced with a workforce shortage. Currently, there is a recognised shortage of dentists providing NHS care in Scotland.
“To provide some further context to our circumstances, NHS Shetland Public Dental Service is currently working at almost 50 per cent less capacity than the pre-covid figures. With over 70 per cent of the Shetland population registered with us, this ‘real-time’ reduction has only exacerbated an already prevalent problem.”
Additionally, identified priority groups remain a focus for the service to ensure the most vulnerable in our community can access treatment to support their needs
The NHS Shetland 3-Phase Oral Health Strategy was approved by the health board and the Shetland IJB in October 2023. The strategy aims to re-focus NHS dental provision for Shetland to provide a comprehensive and sustainable health service for the whole community.
Antony said, “We are continuing to work with the Scottish Government in order to change the delivery of dental service provision in Shetland. Phase 1 of this strategy aims to return NHS Shetland Public Dental Service to pre-covid levels.
“The Scottish Government has recognised the strategy as an exemplar for dental service provision in island health Board regions.”
At present, the Public Dental Service is aiming to recruit two more dentists and it hopes to be in a position to appoint them in August 2024.
Other successful initiatives include the training of two orthodontic therapists, and the recent oral cancer screening clinics and public engagement event.
Antony concluded, “Finally, now, more than ever, it is vital that we all take every care to look after our dental health at home every day. Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste and restricting sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes are the cornerstones of good oral health.”