Fixed-Term Dental Assistant - Matamata at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Where you’ll be working: Oral Health Service, Matamata

The details: Fixed term - 40 Hours per week (1.0 FTE)

• Be part of the national transformation in Health
• Training and orientation provided

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

We are seeking a Dental Assistant to join the Oral Health Service in Matamata. This position is fixed term for up to 12 months - covering parental leave. The position involves working and in a fixed oral health facility and occasionally on a dental mobile assessment unit and fluoride vans in Matamata and the surrounding areas. You will provide assistance with dental care to pre-school and school age children. Dental assistants support and assist oral health and dental therapists in all aspects of care and clinic administration. 

The position would ideally suit someone who has had dental assistant experience or has a work history in office administration, working with children, customer service, Maori health service or health care. Training and orientation is provided on site and through modules. Some training will require infrequent travel to Hamilton. 

Click here to view the position description.

(Please note position descriptions can only be viewed on the Te Whatu Ora - Waikato website.)

Mō tātou Ratonga | About our Service

Caring for the oral health of children is incredibly important for their long term health and wellbeing and is a deeply rewarding experience to those providing care. Community Oral Health provides free oral health services for eligible children residing in the Waikato district. Services include free dental checks, prevention, and repairing decay if required.

Mōu | About you

Required skills & experience you will need to be considered for this role:

• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Competent in using word and excel on computers/laptops

• A full current driver’s licence

• The ability to prioritise effectively

• Good communication and leadership competency

• Cultural and community awareness

• Conscientious and reliable

• Meet the Te Whatu Ora health and safety vaccination criteria

• Pass police vetting criteria

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Te iwi Ngakaunui – People at Heart

• Whakamana – Give and earn respect

• Whakaronga – Listen to me; Talk to me

• Mauri Pai – Fair play

• Whakapakari – Growing the good

• Kotahitanga – Stronger together

It is not very often something happens that is big; like, really big. Big to the point that it will touch the lives of every single person in the country. That is what we are talking about here. The provision of Health in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how its run is about to change in a big way.

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority will together shape the delivery of Health services in Aotearoa New Zealand for generations to come, and will form the core of a modern and integrated service looking after the needs of all our Whānau.

We are dedicated to achieving health equity for Māori and other priority populations. We are a Crown entity and an active partner in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to upholding the articles.

Here at Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, Waikato we have a team of 8,000 working across the Waikato where everyone plays a vital role in the care of our patients – directly or non-directly.  Our vision is Healthy People. Excellent Care.

Te Whatu Ora, Waikato serves the largest Māori population and third largest Pacific population in Aotearoa New Zealand. Waikato Hospital in Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s largest tertiary, teaching hospitals with over 600 inpatient beds and 22 operating theatres. Clinical specialities include Women’s and Children Services, Cardiology / Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oncology and Haematology, Surgical services, and Mental Health and Addiction. Waikato Hospital is the Midland regional referral centre for multiple specialties including trauma surgery, oncology, and neurology.

We are a values-based and inclusive organisation that is committed to deliver the best health outcomes for our total population. Reflecting the population we serve is an important part of the care we deliver to the community. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds with the necessary capability and who share our values to apply. We proactively develop pathways that maximise opportunity for Māori and encourage Māori to apply.

He aha Waikato

Waikato is the fourth largest region in Aotearoa New Zealand and located just south of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It features a wide range of world-class outdoor and cultural experiences. You can surf the world-famous beaches of Whāingaroa Raglan, swim at the beautiful beaches of the Kapanga Coromandel, hike our majestic mountain ranges, tour the Hobbiton shire, experience the magic of the Waitomo glow worm caves, and encounter a vast array of flora and fauna at the remarkable Maungatautari Ecological Reserve.

Waikato is the home of the Kiingitanga and rich in Māori culture. Waikato Hospital sits on whenua gifted by Waikato iwi, situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato Awa, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest metropolitan inland city. Hamilton’s vibrant city centre and rich cultural mix makes it an ideal place to experience the authentic friendly Kiwi lifestyle.

Learn more about living in the mighty Waikato here

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please apply directly online, applications are not able to be accepted via email.

For any queries about the role please contact Nicole.Rickard@waikatodhb.health.nz

Closing date: 30 March 2023

COVID-19:

A national Vaccination Policy which includes COVID19 is under development. In the interim, a Health and Safety Risk Assessment against the requirements of the role will apply to unvaccinated candidates and employees and appropriate risk mitigation (e.g. extra PPE, RAT testing) may be taken as a result. Please note that when a Vaccination Policy is introduced it will apply to this role and need to be supported.