Grade1 Dental Assistant

Southern NSW Local Health District; Taree; On-site; AUD 71,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome Experience assistance

Monthly allocated days off

4 weeks annual leave

6 weeks annual leave for eligible full

Paid parental leave

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hunter New England Health District is seeking a Dental Assistant to join the Taree Dental team, providing high-quality oral health services to the Greater Manning community. The role supports clinicians with chairside assistance and administrative tasks in a friendly, professional environment.

The successful candidate will hold a Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting (or have extensive experience) and be proficient with dental software.

Qualifications

• You are a motivated Dental Assistant providing chairside support across dental procedures.
• Knowledge of infection control principles and clinical environments.
• Ability to use dental software and general computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance across a broad range of dental procedures.
• Prepare and maintain clinical environments following infection prevention protocols.
• Ensure sterilisation and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
• Support patient access, appointment scheduling, and reception duties as required.

Skills

Chairside assistance

Infection control

Patient care

Education

Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting

Tools

Dental software

Job description

Hunter New England Local Health District

REQ688097 Requisition #

Join our team as a Dental Assistant and play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care while supporting our dental team in a friendly, professional environment.

Employment Type:TemporaryFull Time Until September 2027
Position Classification:Dental Assistant Grade 1
Remuneration: $71,335 - $76,205 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ688097
Location: Taree Community Health Service
Applications Close: Tuesday, 15th September 2026

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for a Dental Assistant to join the Taree Dental team, providing high-quality oral health services to the Greater Manning community. These roles offer the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of experienced practitioners in a supportive and collaborative environment.

The Dental Assistant is responsible for providing efficient and effective clinical and administrative support to Oral Health clinicians to facilitate the delivery of safe, high-quality dental care. The role operates within established policies, procedures, and infection prevention and control standards.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Providing chairside assistance across a broad range of dental procedures in accordance with clinical and patient safety standards
• Preparing and maintaining clinical environments in line with infection prevention and control protocols
• Ensuring the availability, sterilisation, and maintenance of instruments, materials, and equipment

The position also undertakes administrative functions to support patient access and service delivery, including appointment scheduling, maintenance of patient records, and reception duties as required. The Dental Assistant contributes to a positive patient experience through the provision of courteous, professional, and culturally appropriate care.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring stock levels and maintaining appropriate inventory control
• Reporting equipment faults and maintenance requirements in a timely manner
• Supporting efficient clinic operations within a multidisciplinary team environment

About you

• You are a motivated and reliable Dental Assistant who is committed to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.
• You are confident providing chairside support across a range of procedures and apply a strong understanding of infection control principles to maintain a safe and compliant workspace.
• Your ability to work collaboratively within a team, combined with well-developed communication skills, enables you to build positive relationships with both patients and colleagues.
• You understand the importance of confidentiality and patient privacy, and you are comfortable using dental software and general computer systems to support daily clinical and administrative tasks.

Requirements

Current Dental Assistant Certificate recognised by the Dental Assistant Education Council of Australia up to the level of Certificate 3 and or unqualified but experienced dental assistant.

What we can offer you

At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

• Relocating? The Welcome Experience offers free support to help you and your family settle into your new community.
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information

• An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part-time vacancies.
• Job share / part time arrangements will be considered
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Salary Packaging

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take‑home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [e-mail] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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NSW Health acknowledges the people of the many traditional countries and language groups of New South Wales. It acknowledges the wisdom of Elders past and present, and pays respect to all Aboriginal communities of today.