“You know it’s a GREAT JOB when you want to help find your replacement…”
Read why Fiona Sloss loved her time at Oban Dental Care, what made her Dental Therapist role so rewarding, and why your next career move should be to the West Coast!
When considering a career move, few opportunities offer the perfect blend of clinical fulfilment, professional autonomy, and an unbeatable quality of life. For one of our long-standing Dental Therapists, Fiona, moving to the West Coast of Scotland as a new graduate wasn’t just a career it was a life-changing decision. After 5 rewarding years at Oban Dental Care, Fiona is moving on to the next stage of her career, opening up a rare vacancy for a Dental Therapist to join the team. Here is an inside look from Fiona on what makes practising and living in Oban so special.
A Welcoming Coastal Escape
For Fiona, the pull towards Oban was both personal and professional. Seeking a peaceful lifestyle after university and wanting to be closer to family who retired to Scotland, Oban’s coastal charm immediately appealed.
“Oban appealed to me because it’s a friendly tourist town with beautiful coastal views. After uni, I was looking for a quieter pace of life.”
While moving to the West Coast might seem like a big leap, Fiona points out that day-to-day life is far easier and more connected than many people imagine.
“It’s not as remote as you think. There are no high street clothes shops, but there are big supermarkets, and it’s easily accessible. You can get everything online and delivered quickly.
Plus, Oban is very dog-friendly with lots of scenic walks, you’re just a 10-minute drive away from the forest.”
True Clinical Autonomy and Full Scope of Practice
One of the most rewarding aspects of Fiona’s 5-year tenure was how fully integrated and valued Dental Therapists are within the practice. The dentists actively rely on Therapists, leaving plenty of space to work to your full scope.
” The dentists have very full diaries and patient lists, so they use Dental Therapists to their full scope of practice. Having dentists who are used to utilising therapists was a massive pull for me”.
Whether you are just starting or looking to bring extensive experience, the practice environment caters to every stage of your career:
•For New Graduates: “It was the location and the supportive team that sold it to me as a new grad. It’s a fantastic learning opportunity. Whilst not an official training practice, the Dentists are very hands- on and approachable.
•For Experienced Therapists: “There is real autonomy for those further on who want to work on their full scope of practice, with a flexible load for both NHS therapy and private hygiene.”
A Diverse and Rewarding Patient Base
Practising in a coastal hub like Oban offers a varied clinical experience compared to an urban setting, supported by a warm and welcoming patient community.
“The people are so lovely. You get a real mix of demographic patients, including island patients and a lot of retirement-age patients, a bit of everything. There are a lot of NHS therapy cases, alongside well-maintained routine patients who focus on prevention.”
Your Next Chapter Awaits
Leaving a team and community after more than a decade is never easy, but Fiona leaves behind a thriving, supportive practice ready to welcome its next team member.
“I’m gutted to leave, but it’s the next step in my career. The team is so supportive. My advice to anyone considering applying? Go for it, it’s worth it!”
If you are looking for a practice where your skills are fully utilised, paired with an unbeatable lifestyle on Scotland’s West Coast, Oban Dental Care is ready to welcome you.
Ready to make the move? Contact us today to discuss the role or submit your application.





