Dental Assistant/Receptionist

Whitby Dental Centre; Porirua; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitby Dental Centre is a warm, patient-focused dental practice seeking a Dental Assistant / Receptionist to join the team. The role blends clinical support with reception duties, and while dental or reception experience is welcome, no previous experience is essential as training is provided for the right person with a positive attitude and genuine care for patients.

The role involves preparing treatment rooms, sterilising instruments, assisting hygienists, plus greeting patients, handling

Qualifications

• Experience in dentistry or reception is welcome but not essential — training offered for the right person.
• Must be calm, reliable and able to switch between clinical and reception tasks.

Responsibilities

• Preparing treatment rooms and instruments.
• Cleaning and sterilising instruments in accordance with infection control procedures.
• Supporting patients and helping them feel comfortable during their visits.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and well-prepared clinical environment.
• Clinical support for hygienist.
• Welcoming patients and providing friendly, professional service.
• Answering phone calls and responding to patient enquiries.
• Booking and confirming appointments.
• Processing patient payments and assisting with general administrative tasks.
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

Skills

Dental assisting

Reception duties

Customer service

Infection control

Clinical support

Job description

Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives?

Whitby Dental Centre is a warm, patient-focused dental practice looking for a Dental Assistant / Receptionist to join our team.

This is a varied role combining dental assisting, patient care and reception duties. Experience in dentistry or reception is welcome but not essential — we are happy to train the right person who brings a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in caring for people.

About the Role

• Preparing treatment rooms and instruments


• Cleaning and sterilising instruments in accordance with infection control procedures


• Supporting patients and helping them feel comfortable during their visits


• Maintaining a clean, organised and well-prepared clinical environment


• Clinical support for hygienist

Reception and Administration

• Welcoming patients and providing friendly, professional service


• Answering phone calls and responding to patient enquiries


• Booking and confirming appointments


• Processing patient payments and assisting with general administrative tasks


• Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the practice

As this role involves both clinical and reception work, flexibility and the ability to switch between tasks are important.

What We’re Looking For

• Calm and composed — able to stay focused in a busy environment


• Reliable and responsible — punctual, dependable and committed to the team


• Proactive and observant — able to notice what needs doing and take initiative


• Kind and patient-focused — genuinely cares about making patients feel welcome and comfortable


• Organised and detail-oriented — takes pride in accuracy and doing things properly


• A great team player — communicates well and supports colleagues


• Humble and willing to learn — accepts feedback positively and is keen to improve


• Flexible and adaptable — comfortable moving between dental assisting and reception duties as needed

Previous dental, medical reception or customer service experience is an advantage, but not essential. Full training will be provided for the right candidate.

Why Join Us?

• A friendly and supportive team environment


• On-the-job training and ongoing development


• A varied role where you can develop both clinical and administrative skills


• An opportunity to build a long-term career in the dental field

Candidates must either be a New Zealand Citizen/PR, or hold a valid NZ work visa.

As part of your application, you may be asked to complete a short questionnaire to help us get to know you better.