Dental Assistant at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Dental Assistant
• Palmerston North Hospital
• Permanent  – Full time 0.8FTE

Support Healthy Smiles and Brighter Futures for Tamariki Across Our Communities

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 within our Community Oral Health Service, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality oral health care to tamariki and their whānau. Working closely with Dental Therapists and Oral Health Therapists, you will provide chairside clinical assistance, coordinate appointments with schools and families, maintain equipment and supplies, and contribute to the smooth operation of both clinic and mobile services. This is a rewarding and varied role that combines patient care, administration, and teamwork, requiring strong organisational skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to providing culturally safe, whānau-centred care. You will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to improving oral health outcomes and reducing health inequities across our communities.

About you

You are a compassionate, organised, and proactive individual who enjoys working with children, whānau, and diverse communities. You thrive in a team environment and are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while supporting positive oral health outcomes for tamariki. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, you can build rapport with children and their families, helping to create a welcoming and supportive clinical environment.

You will bring excellent organisational and time management skills, the ability to adapt to changing priorities, and confidence using administrative and clinical systems. A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cultural safety, equity, and ongoing professional development is essential. Whether you have previous healthcare experience or are looking to further develop your skills in community oral health, you will be motivated to contribute positively to our team and the communities we serve.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.  It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz).  Check out our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

We actively encourage a life work balance and appreciate flexibility can be important, so we are open to discuss options! 

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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Recruitment Advisor (Allied Health) at Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz>

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

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible so may withdraw the advert if the perfect candidate is found before the expiry date.  We strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We aim to develop a diverse team that reflects the communities that we serve, and we welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. MidCentral actively seeks Māori into our workforce to reflect the community we serve. Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences.