Childsmile returns to the Western Isles this summer, with clinics scheduled across Barra, Uist, Harris and Lewis during the school holidays.

Parents and carers are encouraged to take advantage of these upcoming clinics and book an appointment early to secure a place.

These special children’s clinics provide a welcoming and engaging environment, helping introduce young people to dental care while reinforcing healthy habits in a fun and supportive setting. Appointments are available at the following locations:

• Barra Dental Clinic
  29 June – 3 July
  Tel: 01871 810400
• Uist Dental Hub
  6 July – 9 July
  Tel: 01870 603639
• Tarbert Dental Clinic
  20 July – 22 July
  Tel: 01859 504100
• Stornoway Dental Centre
  27 July – 29 July
  Tel: 01851 707500

Each clinic is designed with children in mind, featuring fun activities, stickers, and goody bags to help create a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The initiative aims to reduce anxiety and build confidence, ensuring children feel comfortable when visiting the dentist.

Childsmile continues to make a lasting difference to children’s health and wellbeing. Since it’s launch in 2006, the programme has supported families to establish positive oral health habits through supervised toothbrushing, regular dental visits, and tailored oral health support.

The clinics have been warmly received in previous years, with parents and carers praising their impact:

• “We are so lucky to have this opportunity to make visiting the dentist a positive experience for children. Thank you to the dentist for making the children feel so assured (& the staff)”
• “Excellent event, kids loved it! Positive dental experience for them, brilliant!”
• “Such a good event; we all learnt something, we loved the interactive nature, it made coming to the dentist exciting and the children all want to come back. Thank you!”

Joanne Bark, Director of Dentistry, NHS Western Isles, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the children to the Childsmile clinics. We hope to help the children feel relaxed and happy when visiting the dentist. By making the experience fun and engaging, we can support families to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.”