Heather has a wealth of experience in dental care, including general dental practice, research and hospital dentistry. Heather has been with NHS Tayside for almost 22 years, most recently as clinical dental director, but for many years prior as deputy clinical dental director.
Heather will be taking up the position of senior clinician within NHS Shetland Public Dental Service on January 1, 2025. She will undertake the post of specialist in Special Care Dentistry, as well as playing a vital role as deputy clinical lead for NHS Shetland Public Dental Service. This role will include leading the Special Care Dentistry Service, directing support and ongoing training of the clinical team and senior dental management and supporting the development of the service in line with the ‘Oral Health Strategy’.
Antony Visocchi, director of dentistry, said, “I want to convey a very warm welcome to Heather. This is undoubtedly a great success for NHS Shetland Dental Service.
“Not only will Heather bring a huge amount of experience, knowledge and leadership, she will also fulfil the role of specialist in Special Care Dentistry, a speciality that NHS Shetland has never had before.
“As a very well-respected figure within the Scottish dental profession, Heather will continue to be involved on the national stage to advocate for the public dental service and for Special Care Dentistry, firmly moving Shetland into the spotlight.”
A General Dental Council registered specialist in Special Care Dentistry since 2010, Heather has dedicated her career to leading, delivering and teaching evidence-based, comprehensive oral health care. She has provided strong and effective clinical leadership to NHS Tayside and has been central to the development of staff, both clinically and personally.
Heather has also completed a term as the regional adviser for The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS Ed) and as a recent member of the dental council for The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPS). She has also worked as an examiner for the Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery Part 2 RCPS, for the Diploma in Special Care Dentistry for the RCS Ed and as an external examiner for the diploma and masters in Special Care Dentistry for the University of Aberdeen.
Heather said, “I am very much looking forward to this new adventure and joining such an inclusive and welcoming part of the world.
“I have met such lovely people since first coming here, and I am excited to have been given this opportunity to contribute to both the dental community and Shetland as a whole.”