Dental Assistant Outreach

Dental Assistants

Permanent positions 2 x FTE

Auckland Regional Dental Service.

Health New Zealand -Waitematā 

The Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS) is the largest Community Oral Health Service in Aotearoa. We serve an enrolled population of approximately 300,000 tamariki providing free dental services from birth through to the end of school year 8.

Our clinical teams provide care from a number of dental facilities across the motu including fixed dental hubs and mobile facilities.

The Opportunity | Ngā whāinga mahi

We are seeking two Dental Assistants to join our growing Community Outreach Programme:

• 1 x South Auckland
• 1 x West Auckland

Bring your passion for the wellbeing of tamariki to this innovative and meaningful programme. Your understanding of Te Ao Māori, your lived experiences, and your strong community connections will help us meet the needs of whānau and support equitable access to oral health services.

The Outreach model of care focuses on targeted engagement to reduce inequities, strengthen relationships, and partner with priority communities. A key component is providing onsite dental services to:

• Mainstream schools and Early Childhood Education centres (ECEs)
• Kura Kaupapa Māori
• Bilingual units
• Kōhanga Reo
• Pacific Language Nests

We welcome school leavers, those returning to the workforce, parents, caregivers, and whānau members who want to make a difference in their communities.

The role involves

Ø Supporting and assisting dental therapists to provide efficient customer focused dental services to clients

Ø Providing administrative support as required

Ø Delivering oral health education sessions and attending community events

Ø Liaising with Kura Kaupapa, Kōhanga reo, language nests, mainstream schools and early childcare Centres to facilitate dental visits

Ø Undertaking sterilisation and Infection prevention processes to requirements

Ø Working positively within the Community Outreach Programme alongside colleagues and other team members for the benefit of our communities

About you | He kōrero mōu 

The Outreach programme is a great stepping stone for those who are keen to start their journey in public and community health as well as the opportunity to be part of a supportive team environment, working alongside our wider Outreach and ARDS teams.

Prior experience in a dental environment is an advantage but full training will be provided.

Dental Assistants will ideally have:

• Life experiences that bring value to the programme and a willingness to learn
• A positive and fun communication style
• Recognition of and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• An enthusiasm for working in health and with Tamariki
• A can do attitude, an ability to problem solve and be flexible to ensure service provision is prioritised
• A self-directed and motivated approach to your mahi
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with Iwi, hapū, Kura, Kōhanga Reo, Tamariki, Whānau, and ARDS Staff.
• An aspiration to grow your personal and professional skill base

To review the Position Description, please click here

Please note:

Ø You will need to be able to provide evidence of legal work entitlement (permanent) and a current full NZ driver's licence. 

Ø There is an expectation that in this role you will need to drive a large van between sites, full training will be provided.

Ø You will also need to be able to work during the school holiday periods.

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.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 16 March 2026. If you are interested in the role, have any questions or would just like to korero about the position please contact Dianne Houston, Community Development and Planning Manager on Dianne.Houston@waitematadhb.govt.nz

For recruitment specific questions please contact Lissa Crook, Recruitment Consultant:

lissa.crook@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We are happy to consider flexible working options for the right candidate e.g. Job share opportunities.

Job reference: WDHB20872

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.