A specialist dental nurse from Lanarkshire has been hailed as Scotland’s “star” performer in a prestigious awards ceremony.

Linda McPartlin, who works in NHS Lanarkshire’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, was voted the Dental Care Professional Star at the annual Scottish Dental Awards.

Linda, from Hamilton, said she was delighted to have received the award, which is presented to someone who regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty and is an indispensable member of their team.

Patients who have oral or skin cancer, or need surgical tooth extractions and other dental procedures, have benefited from Linda’s care down the years.

She said: “I’m very pleased to win. It’s great to get recognition for what I do. I’ve been in the service for over 30 years and I just come in and do my work and don’t expect anything like this.

“It was wonderful to read the lovely things my colleagues said when they nominated me and great that they came along to support me at the awards night in Glasgow.”

Mr Vikas Sood, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, said: “Linda is unique as she has trained in dental nursing, dental sedation and orthodontics, and is probably one of the only dental nurses in Scotland who is an oral and maxillofacial nurse assistant in the operating theatre. She is dedicated and committed to her role.”

“Linda is without doubt the most important member of the oral and maxillofacial team in NHS Lanarkshire,” added dental senior house officer Jennifer Galloway.

“As far as we’re aware, she’s the only dental nurse in Scotland actively involved in every aspect of the cancer patient’s journey.

“She is there when they undergo their initial biopsy, assisting the clinician and providing insightful advice to junior members of staff, whilst simultaneously making the patient feel at ease. She is also there when patients receive their diagnosis and she then assists in major cancer operations.”

Frances Queen, senior dental nurse for oral and maxillofacial surgery/orthodontics, said: “Linda is a dedicated dental nurse who sees through any procedure she may be assisting with regardless of how long it runs over. She also gives the patients continuity, reassurance and advice.

“I don’t believe there are any other dental nurses in Scotland carrying out the duties that Linda does – she is simply irreplaceable.”