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Orcadians Return Home to Transform Dental Care Access at Clyde Munro

Update Orcadians Bring New Hope to Island Dental Care In a remarkable return to their roots, two young dental professionals, Aaron Doull and Megan Foubister, have made the heartfelt decision to return to Orkney, contributing significantly to the local dental landscape. Their integration into Clyde Munro’s practices symbolizes a vital boost in accessibility to dental care for the community—an essential service that can be challenging to navigate, especially in rural areas. Personal Journeys Fuel Professional Choices Aaron Doull, 26, was born in Holm and spent five formative years at Newcastle University studying Dental Surgery. His journey led him to complete additional training in Manchester, but the allure of his hometown proved impossible to resist. “I often felt a pull to come back,” he shared. “Being around my family creates a sense of comfort and familiarity that I cherish deeply.” Similarly, Megan Foubister from Sandwick, who had previously worked as a receptionist at Orkney Dental, reflected on her own path back home after completing her studies. “Returning has allowed me to weave my professional aspirations with personal connections, making my work feel all the more meaningful,” she noted. Addressing Accessibility: A Commitment to Community Health Both Aaron and Megan's return represents Clyde Munro’s ongoing commitment to improving dental care access across Orkney’s islands. With a collective patient base exceeding 500,000 across Scotland, the dental group is dedicated to expanding practice teams to meet the needs of areas where access can be limited. This is particularly critical for elderly residents who might struggle to travel to clinics in urban settings. Innovation in Dental Care: Advancements at Clyde Munro The recent addition of an in-house milling machine at the Daisybank Clinic demonstrates Clyde Munro's innovative approach to enhancing services. This technology facilitates quicker and more precise dental solutions, allowing practitioners like Aaron and Megan to offer immediate care options for their patients. In rural areas where travel can be a barrier, this advancement could alleviate wait times and improve overall patient satisfaction. Supporting Local Economies and Community Ties The decisions by Aaron and Megan to return home not only enhance local healthcare but also contribute positively to the Orkney economy. Their presence helps retain skilled professionals within the region, which is vital for sustaining local communities. By choosing to work in their hometowns, they set an example of how highly trained individuals can help invigorate rural areas, ultimately making them more attractive for both residents and future professionals. The Importance of Retaining Healthcare Professionals in Rural Areas The impact of retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities cannot be overstated. Accessible dental care helps improve overall community health and reduces the burden on local resources. As Aaron aptly puts it, “Being back allows me to not only provide dental care but also to give back to the community that raised me.” This sentiment illustrates the profound connection that both dental professionals feel toward their community and the powerful role health professionals play in fostering local resilience. Investing in the Future: Inspiring Young Dental Professionals Younger generations looking to enter the dental field can take inspiration from Aaron and Megan’s decisions. Their stories highlight the rewarding nature of working in tandem with family and friends while serving a community. By spotlighting rural dental practices, they encourage upcoming professionals to consider returning home post-qualification, ensuring that communities maintain a robust healthcare framework. As Orkney observes the positive changes brought by Doull and Foubister, it represents a larger trend towards prioritizing community health and access, which bodes well for the islands' future.