Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in the oatmeal and dates. Add the buttermilk and stir, just until combined.
On a floured surface, knead lightly for only 7-8 turns. (I do this directly on a large baking sheet I will use to bake the scones)
Pat dough into a circle about 7 inches in diameter. Cut into 8 equal sized wedges. Transfer wedges to an ungreased baking sheet. (Or, simply separate the wedges by at least 1 inch, if you have patted them out directly on the baking sheet)
Brush the tops with a bit of melted butter, if desired.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
Notes
If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture, it will just take more time.
Recipe by Laura's Cozy Kitchen at https://www.laurascozykitchen.com/edies-oatmeal-scones/