The Isles of Scilly has a new dentist and she is on a mission to improve oral health education and dental care for the Islands.
Gillian Palmer has joined local provider Smile Together, arriving with over 30 years dental and educational experience in some remote areas of the UK. As well as being a dentist, Gillian holds both a Masters Degree in Oral Health and a Postgraduate Degree in Education and has moved to the Isles of Scilly after 9 years as a senior dentist in Great Yarmouth.
She has also practiced in the Shetland Isles and Suffolk where she developed extensive expertise in a wide range of dental treatments.
In this local dental practice, Gillian will undertake a dual role, providing general NHS treatments plus a number of private Brighter Dental options for treatment not available through the NHS. As a Community Interest Company, every penny of the profits made by Smile Together go back into supporting the local community.
Gillian explained: “I really believe that prevention is far better than cure so getting that message out is really important. Whilst I have plenty of essential and emergency dental work to do, I will always find time for routine examinations and prevention. I would particularly love to see the under eighteens coming in regularly for check-ups.”
Commenting on her arrival on the Isles of Scilly, she said: “Benn, my rescue dog and I have received a really warm welcome here and I am very much looking forward to making a difference in such a beautiful part of the world.”
Paul Critchley Managing Director at Smile Together said: “We’re extremely pleased to have attracted such a senior dental professional to the Isles of Scilly. Gillian completely shares our commitment to ‘healthier, happier communities’ and we know she is determined to make a really positive impact on the oral health of local people.”
