Chief Dental Officer at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You will be providing professional advice and strategy planning around oral health for the Force Health Organisation (FHO) with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). This role is responsible for developing, organising, synchronizing and integrating a coherent oral health strategy and supporting oral health plans to ensure a high standard of health for all NZDF military personnel.

Duties for this role will include:

• Providing technical advice and support around NZDF oral health requirements;
• Attending conferences and oral health based forums as a NZDF representative;
• Assisting with oral health policy, guidelines and governance;
• Providing reporting on Force Health outputs as required; and
• Promoting good unit culture and looking for continuous improvement opportunities across the unit and organisation in regards to oral health matters.

Please note: This role is being offered as part time, working 24 hours per week.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will have a sound knowledge of oral health care, preferably in both a public and NZDF setting, as well as experience within governance and leadership roles. This role deals with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, as well as externally and internationally, so you will require strong interpersonal skills to be able to build strong and trusted relationships with a wide range of people.

You will also require:

• A minimum of 10 years' experience within a dental practice or environment, including at a management level;
• Be a qualified and registered Dentist with a current APC and indemnity insurance;
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply appropriate policies and procedures;
• Effective and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, including ability to review and amend documentation and policies; and
• Ability to understand flow-on effect of actions and apply sound judgement, initiative and common sense to situations.

Please note:

• This role requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• If selected for interview you will be required to provide certified copies of your medical qualifications including your practicing/registration certificate and a statement of good standing.
• Some health roles require COVID-19 vaccinations as a requirement under the Health and Disability Mandate. If these are required for this specific position, we will request evidence of the required vaccinations.

Mō mātou | About Us

The role of Defence Health is to ensure a better, stronger and healthier NZDF by:

• Maximising the health of the operational Force;
• Creating a deployable health capability that can go anywhere, anytime with flexibility and agility; and
• Providing robust benchmarked military health governance to the Force.

Defence Health includes primary medical and dental care, physical performance and rehabilitation care, occupational health, mental health, social wellness and spiritual wellbeing. Defence Health also partners with other NZDF teams to support health and safety, and single Service health specialties (e.g. Maritime medical). 

The Defence Health Directorate (DHD) provides health and wellbeing stewardship, strategic governance and professional/technical control over all Defence Health elements. The scope of responsibilities includes, but not limited to:

• Developing Health strategy and policy;
• Quality management oversight;
• Governance and regulation;
• Measuring and reporting on Defence Health's performance and addressing issues in partnership with JSG;
• Health information and systems management;
• Health workforce planning;
• Developing and implementing health and wellness related educational programmes;
• Providing spiritual support; and
• Social work oversight.

Every hour of every day, 365 days of the year, the New Zealand Defence Force is contributing to the defence, security and well-being of Aotearoa / New Zealand. As a modern, professional military, it is our goal to maintain well trained, equipped and disciplined armed forces that can react to crisis at short notice. 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with:

• Great benefits for you and your family.
• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000.
• Access to holiday accommodation across NZ.
• 5 weeks annual leave per year.
• Variety, challenge and a chance to influence.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

To view the Position Description and to Apply, please use the links on this page.

Please note:

• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
• If you are an existing NZDF employee (excluding contractors) you must apply through our Internal Vacancies site, via the HR Toolkit.

Applications close on Sunday 2 April 2023.

Please note: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for. The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZ Defence Force are as follows:

Higher level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.