NHS Lanarkshire: new director of dentistry

02 July 2022

A new director of dentistry has been appointed in Lanarkshire. Following a formal interview process, Shelley Percival has accepted the role after fulfilling the interim post since January first, 2022. Shelley will continue to provide leadership on all issues relating to dentistry in NHS Lanarkshire, ensuring high quality, safe and effective oral care across the area.

Shelley said, “I’m absolutely delighted to accept the position.”

“Where my interim role has given me the opportunity to support colleagues during all the challenges of the pandemic, as we recover and look to the future, I look forward to building on the strong relationships and culture of partnership that exists in Lanarkshire. Our unremitting focus, of course, remains on looking after the dental and oral health of local people.”

As well as promoting the improvement and overall quality of care, Shelley will also provide leadership in reducing any oral health inequalities across the area. She will report to Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire.

Soumen said, “A fundamental and guiding principle of our future direction is the continued expertise, compassion and focus of our staff and partners supporting the health and wellbeing of people Lanarkshire”

“As we take careful steps out of the pandemic, the dental community has a really important and continued contribution to make to the overall effort of delivering health and care fit for the demands of today – and the future.

“Shelley brings a wealth of experience to the role and she is well placed to continue the excellent leadership she has demonstrated in the interim position. We are delighted to formally welcome her to the director post.”

Shelley replaces Anne Moore who officially retired on March 31, 2022. Prior to taking up the post of interim director at the turn of the year, Shelley was clinical director for general dental services in Lanarkshire in October 2020. She has, and will continue to, fulfil a clinical director role alongside her director responsibilities.

Shelley graduated from Glasgow University in 1997 and worked in practices in Whitburn, Hamilton and Falkirk before setting up Clyde Valley Dental Practice in 2006. She has pursued post-graduate education by completing a diploma in Forensic Medical Science in 2001 and gained the Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners in London in 2007.

Shelley has been a vocational trainer and also a tutor for the Faculty of General Dental Practice diploma.