Dentist - Parental Leave Cover

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Hawke's Bay Hospital is seeking a Senior Dentist to join the hospital dental service from January 2026 to cover parental leave. The role offers a broad spectrum of care including special needs, paediatric dentistry, oral surgery and dental trauma, with opportunities to work with the maxillofacial service.

You will perform procedures under general anaesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation, contribute to out-of-hours on-call rosters, and work across Hastings, Napier

Qualifications

• Registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand
• Minimum of three years hospital dental experience
• Willingness to work across Hawke's Bay sites (Hastings, Napier, Wairoa)
• Commitment to continuing education (CME)

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive hospital dental care including special needs and paediatric cases
• Perform procedures under general anaesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation
• Collaborate with maxillofacial service and Community Oral Health Service
• Participate in out-of-hours on-call roster and hospital dental service operations

Skills

General dentistry

Paediatric dentistry

Oral surgery

Dental trauma

GA and sedation

Education

Registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Dentist to join our hospital dental service here at Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital starting in January 2026 to cover a period of parental leave. This role offers a broad spectrum of dental care, including special needs, paediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and dental trauma. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the maxillofacial service locally and through Hutt Valley. You will be expected to perform dental procedures under general anaesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation.

The broad range of experiences and the multidisciplinary team environment caters to an ambitious dentist looking to further their career in a supportive environment. We actively encourage and support our dentists within our service to do further education through the attendance of relevant CME.

About the Team / Service / Location

You would join a team consisting of 1 Dental House Officer, 1 Dental Registrar, 3 Senior Dentists and a Dental Public Health Specialist. This role contributes to the hospitals out-of-hours on‑call service for dental and maxillofacial. The Hospital Dental Service provides care over sites in Hastings, Napier and Wairoa, with a clinical focus on medically compromised patients, tamariki (children), and individuals with complex and special needs. We deliver care in both outpatient and theatre settings, providing diverse clinical experiences.

You will also be part of a 1:5 on‑call roster, providing acute dental and maxillofacial services. Our team enjoys a close working relationship with the Community Oral Health Service, including delivering community‑based clinics and participating in combined professional development. Working in the Hawkes Bay Hospitals Dental Service means that you will be supported in a positive learning environment.

About you

As a Dentist, you will be registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand and have a minimum of three years hospital dental experience.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

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.