A new dentist has started working in Ísafjörður. Christian Lee is a 27-year-old Englishman who graduated in 2016 from the University of Manchester. He has since worked in Manchester and Liverpool in general dentistry.
Christian takes over from Sigurjón Guðmundsson who left some time ago due to age. It was announced last summer among dentists in Europe and Christian was one of many who applied for the position.
"I am very excited about this opportunity," says Christian. "I wanted to change, move from a city to a rural area and thus get to both a different society and also a different kind of dentistry. When I saw the video, I was quick to submit my resume. Outdoor activities and hunting of various kinds are among my hobbies, and I am fascinated by the country and the people."
"It's great to have Christian take over the chair and my patients," says outgoing dentist Sigurjón. "We are similar in many ways, I was also 27 years old and single when I arrived, with my belongings in one bag, a box of books and a blanket in a bag. Hopefully he will do as well here as I did."
The intervention of the Vestfjörður Health Institute
Dental services are on the private market in Iceland. The Vestfjörður Health Institute therefore has no formal role in the provision of dental services. The only official approach is that the dental offices at the health centers in Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður are rented to independent dentists. However, it is the case that in the 2030 health policy, the CEO is made the district health director within his region. "We want to do our part in maintaining the good dental health of the population. In this context, I also want to convey that the dental office in Patreksfjörður is available for rent, those interested should definitely get in touch with me," says CEO Gylfi Ólafsson.
Two dentists
Vidar Konráðsson is still working in the next room next to Christian, who has already started work. Sigurjón has been helpful in the first few days so that everything goes well.
You can make an appointment at 456 3737.
From the left, Christian Lee, new dentist, Vidar Konráðsson, dentist, and Gylfi Ólafsson, director of the Vestfjörður Health Institute.
Author: GÓ