First oral health science graduates to ease dental hygiene and therapy gap

The Princess Royal visited the UHI dental training unit at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness earlier this month. Pictured speaking to Sarah Nichol, first year BSc oral health science student.

Seven University of the Highlands and Islands graduates will go some way to filling the gap in dental provision in the region when they graduate this week (Friday) at the Inverness College UHI ceremony.

The students are the first to complete the BSc Oral Health Science degree course which offers a route to a career in dental hygiene and dental therapy, a clinical group which can, under the direction of a dentist, carry out a large proportion of routine dental care in general practice.

The graduates have already been offered posts across the region which is currently experiencing a severe shortage in skilled practitioners and they will provide essential dental services in places as far apart as Shetland and Ayrshire.

Dr Isobel Madden, Head of UHI School of Oral Health Science explained the difference skilled graduates in this area can make: “Therapists work under the direction of a dentist and can carry out a lot more of the routine treatment patients need,” she says. 

“This frees up dentists to concentrate on more complex cases and allows them to see more patients.

“We are delighted to offer this course at our new custom-built dental training unit at the Centre for Health Science at Raigmore Hospital, allowing students the opportunity to further their careers in a state-of-the-art facility without having to leave the Highlands.”