Hospital Dental Assistant (Casual) Nelson
Hospital Dental Assistant, Nelson Hospital, Casual
- Bring your Dental assisting experience to a supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Diverse role supporting dentists and dental specialists across clinic and theatre settings, caring for patients of all ages.
- Flexible casual opportunities available, with shifts to suit service needs and the chance to gain experience across a range of dental specialties.
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 Hospital Dental Assistant, you will provide chairside assistance for dentists and dental specialists providing treatment for both in-patient and out-patients, eligible for hospital level oral health services. The role includes both clinical services in dental clinics and Theatres with supporting administrative duties.
This is a casual position, working on an as-required basis to support the service during periods of leave, increased demand, and service cover requirements. Shifts are typically worked Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 5.00pm. No on-call work is required.
Please view the position description for further information.
About the Team/Service/ Location
We’re a vibrant team of 5 Dental Assistants supporting 6 Dentists and Consultant Dental Specialists providing a diverse range of dental treatment. We work in well-equipped facilities and are focused on providing a high standard of general oral health care to our patients/clients.
This role is mainly based at Nelson Hospital, however form time-to-time you may be required to work in the wider Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough region.
For more information on living and working in Nelson click here
About you
As a Hospital Dental Assistant, you will entail:
- Previous dental experience essential;
- 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;
- Full drivers licence preferred
- Enjoy working in a supportive team, demonstrating enthusiasm with the ability to follow instructions and learn new skills.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ 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 02 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact
Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR
Danielle Willis – Dental assistants coordinator Danielle.willis@nmdhb.govt.nz
Job ref: R1N26-268
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.