OF 334 dentists who have retired since 2020, just 10 have reached the state retirement age.

Scotland’s dental sector faces an uphill battle. Decades of underinvestment, compounded by the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic have left dental practices struggling to keep up with demand.

Patients encounter long waits for care, while clinics grapple with staff shortages and an aging workforce.

Amid these difficulties, one solution emerges as both urgent and clear: we must invest in the next generation of dentists. The future of Scottish dentistry depends on it.

Rising patient expectations, rapid technological advancements, and an evolving healthcare landscape demand that new entrants to the profession are not only technically skilled but also resilient and well-supported.

Yet, many students and early-career professionals find themselves navigating these challenges with little guidance.

This is where the sector must step up. At Scottish Dental Care we understand the importance and urgency needed to invest in young people.

By prioritising the training, mentorship, and professional development of young dentists, Scotland can address the widening gap between the increasing needs of patients and the resources available to meet them.

Such investments are not optional; they are critical to the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The vocational dental pathway in Scotland is already a vital stepping stone for new graduates, but more must be done to bridge the transition from education to practice.

For example, connecting early years dental students with dental practices, vocational trainers and experienced practitioners is essential to preparing them for the realities of clinical care.

The challenges are not limited to supporting young dentists in their early careers. Retention within the sector is equally pressing. Many practitioners are leaving the profession early due to burnout.

Addressing this requires a sector-wide commitment to mentorship and structured training programmes that ensure new dentists see clear, fulfilling career paths ahead.

It’s also important to recognise the pivotal role technology plays in dentistry’s future.

Advancements in digital imaging, aligner systems, and patient care protocols require dentists who are well-versed in new tools and techniques.

Ensuring young professionals are trained to harness these innovations is vital if Scotland is to remain at the forefront of modern dental care.

To that end, efforts must focus on providing not just technical training but also fostering environments where dentists feel supported, respected, and inspired to remain in the field.

Scottish Dental Care’s new Pathways programme, launching in 2025, reflects this ethos. With planning in advanced stages, it promises to offer tailored training and development opportunities, addressing the unique challenges young dentists face.

Such initiatives, combined with targeted efforts to connect students with experienced mentors, and a clearly defined pathway for career development represent a necessary step toward cultivating the talent Scotland’s dental sector needs.

By investing in young dentists today, we not only secure the future of our profession but also safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities across Scotland.

Philip Friel is Director of Dentistry and Co-founder of Scottish Dental Care

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk

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