Dental Oral Health Therapist at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Work where others holiday enjoy the beaches, caf s, and the vibrant coastal lifestyle in Tauranga
• Permanent part-time 0.8 FTE
• Excellent lifestyle fit while giving back to tamariki and their whānau

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We have a permanent, part-time opportunity available for a Dental or Oral Health Therapist to join our passionate Community Oral Health Service team. Based at Tauranga Hospital and working across the beautiful Bay of Plenty, youll provide high-quality oral health care and education to tamariki across both fixed and mobile clinics.

This role is perfect for a therapist with a passion for prevention, health promotion, and equity. Working across a variety of locations, youll make a meaningful impact by supporting children and their whānau to access and maintain positive oral health.

Youll work closely with other therapists, kaiāwhina, and our dental assistants as part of a supportive and culturally responsive team.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Community Oral Health Service is made up of passionate, whānau-focused professionals committed to equitable oral health outcomes for tamariki across the Bay of Plenty. Therapists enjoy variety, autonomy, and strong collegial support, with a shared commitment to quality care and cultural safety.

Based in Tauranga, youll work across a mix of mobile units and clinicsso every day will offer something new. With beaches on your doorstep and a strong team culture around you, this role offers both lifestyle and purpose.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You are a compassionate and community-minded Dental or Oral Health Therapist who takes pride in delivering exceptional care to tamariki. Calm under pressure and confident working both independently and as part of a team, you value whānau-centred practice and bring a flexible, can-do attitude to a mobile and clinic-based role.

What You Will Bring

• Current registration with the Dental Council of NZ and 2025/2026 Annual Practising Certificate
• Minimum of 12 months post-graduate experience as a Dental/Oral Health Therapist, or new graduate Oral Health Therapist ready to start
• Internationally qualified candidates are welcome, with current or pending NZDC registration
• A strong understanding of culturally safe practice and the ability to work inclusively across diverse communities
• A restricted (minimum) or full NZ Driver Licence
• Ability to work independently

We support your professional growth with ongoing learning opportunities and annual reimbursement for both your Annual Practising Certificate and professional association membership.

Click here to view the Position Description

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click apply now.  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 15 February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.