Public Dental Officer

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Western Isles is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join the Public Dental Service (PDS) for a 12 month post based in the Isle of Lewis, with the potential opportunity to continue on a permanent basis.

The Western Isles Dental Centre is the principal Public Dental Service facility within the Western Isles and is a modern, well-equipped dental centre with 12 surgeries. The centre provides both PDS and General Dental Service (GDS) care and plays an important role in dental education, hosting outreach students from the University of Aberdeen and Dental Therapy students studying within the University of the Highlands and Islands Oral Health Science Programme.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will benefit from excellent access to dental therapists, hygienists and the wider dental care professional workforce, as well as visiting Specialist services.

The successful applicant will provide dental care to both PDS and GDS patients in a clinical setting and may also be required to deliver care in domiciliary, hospital and care home environments. Applicants should possess the clinical skills and confidence to provide a broad range of treatments in sometimes challenging circumstances, including caring for patients with additional and complex needs. You will be working alongside a supportive team of experienced clinicians, with excellent opportunities for peer support and professional development.

On call commitments will be a requirement of the post.

• Distant Islands Allowance of £1,461 per annum
• Remote Areas Allowance: £4,500 per annum for years 1-3; £9,000 pro rata for years 3+
• Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £25,000 paid over 2 years (subject to eligibility as set out in PCA (D) (2022)2)
• Out of Hours Allowance and on-call payment for undertaking on call duties
• Up to 33 days annual leave per annum plus 8 public holidays (dependent on NHS service)

Known as Scotland’s Atlantic Islands, the Western Isles are steeped in history and culture, with stunning landscapes, spectacular coastlines, a strong sense of community and identity, and renowned Hebridean hospitality. For those with young families, the Western Isles also offer a safe place to live, a high-quality education system with low levels of crime.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application—but your answers must be your own.

Show us the real you:
Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.

Use AI wisely:
It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.

Why this matters:
Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip:
Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.

For further information regarding this post, please contact Joanne Bark, Director of Dentistry, at joanne.bark2t

The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme). This post is not eligible for relocation expenses.

All NHS Western Isles vacancies appear on the NHS Scotland website: , along with a job description.

Tha beàrnan-obrach NHS Eilean Siar uile gu léir a' nochdadh air làrach-lìn NHS na h-Alba , còmhla ri dealbh-obrach.

If you have any further queries, please contact Tel:

CLOSING DATE: 26/08/2026

E-mail Correspondence
- Please note that our correspondence method is by e-mail, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
- Please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders) and also your Jobtrain account for updates relating to your application.

Please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub -  for advice and support with any system issues.