Gillian Leslie
Haddington,East Lothian
Summary
Senior clinical adviser with extensive experience in strategic leadership and clinical policy development, notably serving as the DCDO with the Scottish Government. Demonstrates exceptional stakeholder engagement skills as a lead clinical negotiator with the British Dental Association, fostering cross-sector collaboration. Proven expertise in clinical governance, operational management, and evidence-based policy development, having integrated clinical evidence into national payment reform systems. Successfully owns a thriving NHS/private practice, achieving high staff retention and service expansion. Military discipline and diplomacy honed through international deployments enhance leadership capabilities under pressure. Committed to aligning dental policies with national frameworks to improve efficiencies and deliver quality care.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Deputy Chief Dental Officer
Scottish Government
2021.01 - 2025.08
- Senior clinical advisor on national dental policy and system reform
- Co-led development of NHS dental payment reform
- Collaborated with NES, SDCEP, Health Boards and Public Health experts
- Delivered national webinars and presentations to the dental sector
Principal Dentist
Bridge Dental Care
Tranent
2013.01 - 2025.08
- Owner and clinical lead of a multi-disciplinary practice
- Developed local referral services for sedation, implants, and surgical dentistry
- Oversaw full renovation and expansion of services
Associate Dentist
Dental Lounge
Haddington
2010.01 - 2013.01
- Transitioned from military to civilian practice
- Completed Implant Dentistry training at Dentale, Bristol
Dental Officer
Royal Navy
1998.01 - 2010.01
- Loan Service Officer to Bruneian Navy – Led dental services and diplomatic engagement
- Senior Dental Officer, Faslane Naval Base – Managed 7-chair surgery and 8000 transient patients
- Dental Officer, Royal Marines Commando Logistics Regiment – Provided frontline care during Iraq War
- Fleet Dental Officer, HMS Drake – Coordinated care across global deployments
- SHO Maxillofacial, QA Hospital – Rotations in Oral Surgery, Oncology, and Oral Medicine
Education
NES Conscious Sedation Course -
Glasgow Education Centre
2018.01 - 2018.01
Invisalign Full Training - undefined
University of Stirling
2017.01 - 2017.01
Facial Aesthetics Training - undefined
Inspired Training Glasgow
2015.01 - 2015.01
Implant Diploma -
Dentale, Bristol & Shrewsbury
2011.01 - 2011.01
Equal Opportunities Advisor - undefined
Military Staff Training College
2007.01 - 2007.01
MFDS RCS (Eng) - undefined
Royal College of Surgeons England
2007.01 - 2007.01
ACP in Exodontia - undefined
US Navy, Illinois
2004.01 - 2004.01
BDS - Dentistry
University of Glasgow
1998.01 - 1998.01
Skills
- Strategic Leadership: Senior advisor to Scottish Government on dental policy and system reform
- Stakeholder Engagement: Lead clinical negotiator with the British Dental Association; experienced in cross-sector collaboration
- Clinical Governance: Review of current systems to improve efficiencies, improve access and deliver quality care
- Evidence-Based Policy Development: Worked with NES and SDCEP integrating clinical evidence and prevention into national systems
- Operational Management: Principal of a thriving NHS/private practice with high staff retention and service expansion
- Military Discipline & Diplomacy: Proven ability to lead under pressure, including international deployments and wartime operations
- Clinical policy development: Working across all dental policy to align with national frameworks
Certification
- Member, Royal College of Surgeons England
- Expert Member, British Dental Association
- SAAD Member
- Full PVG Disclosure
- Full UK Driving Licence
References
Available upon request.
Hobbies and Interests
Outdoor pursuits with family, Running, swimming, skiing
Timeline
Deputy Chief Dental Officer
Scottish Government
2021.01 - 2025.08
NES Conscious Sedation Course -
Glasgow Education Centre
2018.01 - 2018.01
Invisalign Full Training - undefined
University of Stirling
2017.01 - 2017.01
Facial Aesthetics Training - undefined
Inspired Training Glasgow
2015.01 - 2015.01
Principal Dentist
Bridge Dental Care
2013.01 - 2025.08
Implant Diploma -
Dentale, Bristol & Shrewsbury
2011.01 - 2011.01
Associate Dentist
Dental Lounge
2010.01 - 2013.01
Equal Opportunities Advisor - undefined
Military Staff Training College
2007.01 - 2007.01
MFDS RCS (Eng) - undefined
Royal College of Surgeons England
2007.01 - 2007.01
ACP in Exodontia - undefined
US Navy, Illinois
2004.01 - 2004.01
Dental Officer
Royal Navy
1998.01 - 2010.01
BDS - Dentistry
University of Glasgow
1998.01 - 1998.01