Dental Assistant (0.9 FTE) Wairau

Dental Assistant (Community Oral Health) - Training Position, Wairau Community , Permanent Part-time.

• This is a great opportunity for the right person with great people skills to train in a new career as a Dental Assistant or continue their existing oral health career.
• This is a rewarding role working with children and their families in oral health care.  

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Dental Assistant, you will provide assistance for our Dental/Oral Health therapists completing a range of associated clinical and administration duties to a high standard.  Full training will be provided to the right applicant.

This is a permanent, part-time position available in Community Oral Health Wairau working up to 72 hours per fortnight (0.9 FTE). Our usual clinic hours of work are 8.00AM and 5.00PM, Monday to Friday, (one hour lunch break).

About the Team/Service/ Location

We are a vibrant team of dental assistants supporting our Dental and Oral Health Therapists. We work in modern facilities and are focussed on providing a high standard of general oral health care to our patients/clients.

At the Community Oral Health Service we focus on prevention of oral health disease for Tamariki/children aged 0 to School Year 8, reducing inequalities in child oral health and providing education to improve the health status of children in our community.

For more information on living and working in Blenheim click here

About you

As a Dental Assistant, you will have:

• Healthcare or working with children an advantage, however, comprehensive training will  be provided to the successful applicant.
• A good standard of oral and written communication (minimum of Year 11 NCEA English and Maths – or equivalent) and, if not previously attained, you will be prepared to undertake the NZQA Level 3: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Dental Assistance) which is to be completed within 2 years of commencement in the role.
• A valid full drivers license.

You will enjoy working as part of a supportive team, demonstrating enthusiasm, the ability to follow instructions and learn new skills and have great people skills

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ work visa at the time of applying.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 31 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Melissa Robinson (Dental Assistant Team Leader) at melissa.robinson@nmdhb.govt.nz

Job ref: R1W25-044

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.