Dental / Oral Health Therapist (Fixed Term 12 months)

Dental / Oral Health Therapist, District wide,  Fixed Term Part-time

• Our staff will tell you how much they love the relationships formed over the years with children and their families/whanau. 
• The role offers you a great team environment providing dental services to some of the 23,000 children across the region who are enrolled from birth.

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 / Oral Health Therapist, you will be committed to prevention; sealing all permanent molars, with dental assistants applying fluoride varnish between examination appointments. We encourage the use of Hall Crowns and provide all therapists with the full range of restorative options; including rubber dam when required. 

You will join our team in the Nelson / Marlborough area. 

This is a part-time fixed term parental leave role for 12 months,  working 32 hours per fortnight (0.4 FTE); 2 days per week (Monday and Tuesday days can be flexible).

The hours are 8.00AM to 5.00PM with a one hour lunch break.

Please view the position description for further information.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our facilities are modern and computerised, using Titanium with digital radiography.  We employ 1:1 ratio of dental assistants to therapists with reception staff to support.  You will be supported by your own assigned Professional Advisor as we tailor our orientation to your needs and professional skills. 

If you are looking to relocate to the area, we will offer you up to $5,000 in relocation expenses to assist with the costs involved.  We will help to make the process as smooth as possible.  New Graduate appointees will be invited to commence at Step 2 of the salary scale or equivalent.

For more information on living and working in Blenheim click here

About you

As a Dental / Oral Therapist, you will:

• Be registered New Zealand Dental Therapist / Oral Health Therapist with annual practicing certificate;
• Have sound knowledge of oral health promotion;
• Have excellent organisation and time management skills;
• Be flexible and adaptable withing a changing environment.

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 14 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

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

Kirsty Rance (Team Leader Community Oral Health) at kirsty.rance@nmdhb.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1W26-011

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.