Oral Health Therapy
Seize the opportunity of a lifetime as an Oral Health Therapist! Provide a range of dental services focused on preventive and restorative oral care.
Whether it's working with children or adults, you'll be making an important difference in our communities.
Photo location: Split Apple Rock, Tasman - Credit: Miles Holden
About the role
Oral Health Therapists have the knowledge, skills and experience to educate and care for patients’ teeth and gums. They work in partnership with local communities to improve services and health outcomes.
We want our team of teams to reflect the diversity of the communities we're working to improve care for, including those that historically have been underserved by the health system.
New Zealand offers a broad range of opportunities in a range of environments from fast-paced metropolitan centres to community-focused healthcare in urban, rural and remote settings.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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Oral Health Therapists have a 10-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $59K - NZ $116K
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Set rates for overtime, penal time, and callbacks
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If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.
Allowances:
- Set allowances for on-call, higher duties, shift coordination, duly authorised officers, authorised officers, telephone on-call and meals (where required)
Leave:
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4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
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shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work
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A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum
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6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service
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up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
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Long service leave
Oral Health Therapists' Collective Agreement:
In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Oral Health Therapists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.
Required qualifications and experience
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To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require an appropriate registration and hold an Annual Practising Certificate:
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| Begin your career | |
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Internationally qualified candidates
- Crown and Bridge/Prosthodontic Hygienist
- Orthodontic Hygienist
- Periodontal Hygienist
- Community Dental Therapist
- School Dental Therapist
- School Dental Nurse
International accredited training programmes
Australia:
- Dental Board of Australia-approved programmes that allow graduates registration in the Oral Health Therapist Scope of Practice in Australia. For those Australian programmes where the adult restorative treatment is not accredited as part of the undergraduate programme, a Dental Council New Zealand accredited programme is required to remove the Adult restorative treatment exclusion.
- New Zealand Oral Health Therapist Registration Examination and a Dental Council New Zealand accredited Adult restorative programme.
Dental Council accredited Adult restorative programme
- Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice), University of Melbourne
Roles and responsibilities
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Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and implementing the principles
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Engaging with local communities for better health outcomes
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The practice of Oral Health Therapy is the provision of Oral Health assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment and preventive care for patients in accordance with this scope of practice and an Oral Health Therapist’s approved education, training, experience and competence
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Oral health education, disease prevention and oral health promotion for individuals and communities are core activities, aimed at achieving and maintaining oral health as an integral part of general health
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Extra-oral and intra-oral examination of the soft and hard tissues of the orofacial region, including intra-and-extra-oral radiographic imaging of adequate diagnostic quality and photographic imaging
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Formulate an accurate diagnosis for dental caries and periodontal diseases or seek additional clinical opinion or refer as required
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Oral Health education
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Preventative care
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Periodontal management
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Direct restorations that are appropriate for the nature and extent of tooth tissue loss and in the best interests of the patient including placing stainless steel crowns on primary teeth
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Oral disease management including dental caries, non-carious tooth tissue loss, tooth abnormalities and aesthetic problems
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Dental extractions of deciduous teeth
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Pulpotomy on primary teeth
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Local anaesthesia appropriately to treatment
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Orthodontics - Assist the dentist or dental specialist in implementing orthodontic treatment plans.
Our application process
Working at Health New Zealand
'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.
Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our cross-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment to you
We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.
Looking to move to New Zealand to work as an Oral Health Therapist?
Great news! Oral Health Therapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
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Photo location: Christchurch - Credit: Miles Holden |
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!
Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.
Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.
Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.
Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.
Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.
Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.
Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.
South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.
Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.