NHS Shetland appoint new dental director

NHS Shetland has appointed a new dental director following the retirement of the previous holder of the post.

Brian Chittick will replace Ray Cross, who retired this week after a long NHS career, with the last two years of that being spent in Shetland.

Mr Chittick will now fill the role, having applied for the 12-month fixed-term role earlier in the year.

According to NHS Shetland he has an extensive background in leadership roles, and is an experienced clinician who has worked in many varied and challenging locations including during his Royal Navy career.

Simon Bokor-Ingram, director of community health and social care, said: “I very much appreciate the stable platform Ray has created during a period of significant change in the Shetland dental landscape, including the strong leadership of our public dental service and the facilitation of a new independent dental practice to Shetland.

“Ray and Brian have been working through hand over preparations in readiness for Brian taking on the dental director role.”

Mr Bokor-Ingram added: “Brian will continue with some clinical sessions, but will devote the majority of his time to implementing the oral health strategy that is being considered by the Integration Joint Board later this month. Brian will be based in the Montfield Dental Clinic.”

“We would like to thank Ray on the record for all his hard work, and wish him a very happy and well deserved retirement.”