Dental Assistant

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora; Hastings; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Dental Assistant to support chairside procedures and clinical operations across Hawke's Bay. You will work with Dentists and Oral Health Therapists to ensure safe, patient-centred care and efficient service delivery.

The role combines clinical support with administration and customer service, including welcoming patients, managing appointments, and assisting clinicians during procedures. A positive attitude and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, healthcare or clinical support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Well developed organisational skills and prioritisation.
• Computer skills with MS Office and electronic systems.
• Current clean driver’s licence and willingness to travel between service locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide chairside assistance to dentists and oral health therapists.
• Prepare and maintain clinical areas and equipment.
• Support infection prevention and control practices.
• Assist clinicians during procedures and contribute to smooth service operations.
• Assist with appointments management and patient reception.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Computer skills

Driver's license

Job description

• Permanent/ Part - Time 64 Hours per fortnight 0.8 FTE
• This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team, develop your skills, and make a meaningful difference to the oral health and wellbeing of people across Hawke's Bay.

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

About the Role

As a Dental Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of high quality oral health services across our Community Oral Health and Hospital Dental teams. Working closely with Dentists and Oral Health Therapists, you will provide chairside assistance, prepare and maintain clinical areas, support infection prevention and control practices, and help ensure patients receive a positive and safe experience.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines clinical support with administration and customer service responsibilities. From welcoming patients and managing appointments through to assisting clinicians during procedures, you will be a valued team member who contributes to the smooth operation of the service and helps deliver excellent oral health outcomes for the community.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Oral Health Service provides community and hospital based dental care across Hawke's Bay. We are a supportive and collaborative team of Dental Assistants, Oral Health Therapists and Dentists who are committed to delivering safe, high quality and patient centred care to our communities.

About you

As a Dental Assistant, you will bring a positive attitude, excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing outstanding patient care.

• Previous experience in a customer service, healthcare or clinical support environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Well developed organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confident computer skills, with experience using Microsoft Office applications and electronic systems.
• A current clean driver's licence and a willingness to travel between service locations if required.

Working at 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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.