The British Dental Association (BDA) in Scotland is hoping that newly appointed dentistry directors for all regions in the country will be able to provide crucial detail on the national oral health improvement plan for north of the border.

The union met with a number of Directors of Dentistry at a recent introductory meeting to discuss a range of issues.

Under the Scottish Government's Oral Health Improvement Plan (OHIP)1 published on 24 January 2018, it promised that it would work with NHS Boards to introduce a Director of Dentistry in each Board area, whose role would be to ensure a strategic approach across primary and secondary care service planning and to focus on oral health improvements within each NHS Board.

NHS Greater Glasgow recently appointed a permanent Chief of Dentistry - Lee Savarrio - and the other NHS Boards have appointed an interim Director of Dentistry.

The Scottish Government has said it anticipates that all substantive Directors will be confirmed by autumn 2019.

In the meantime, BDA Scotland said it wanted to build effective working relationships and strong communication links with these new Directors.

At the recent introductory meeting, the union and the Directors present discussed various issues, including:

  • The roles and responsibilities of the interim Directors

  • Funding for the roles

  • The Directors' links within NHS Boards

  • Communication with Scottish Government

  • The initial priorities in the Oral Health Improvement Plan, including local implementation.

The BDA has already raised concerns over the implementation of the Plan and the need for a viable and sustainable plan for dentistry, warning that the Plan is lacking in detail about timescales, outcomes or funding to implement action.

A further meeting with the Directors of Dentistry is to be arranged in the autumn, once permanent appointments have been made.