Dental Assistant - Tauranga

• Work where others holiday – enjoy the beaches, bustling cafes, and vibrant coastal lifestyle in Tauranga
• Full-time position – 1.0 FTE
• A stable role supporting child oral health across the Western Bay of Plenty

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

This permanent full-time Dental Assistant role supports the delivery of high-quality dental care for children across the Western Bay of Plenty. Based in Tauranga, the position works alongside Dental and Oral Health Therapists to support safe, efficient, and child-focused dental services.

The role covers chairside assistance, infection prevention and control, patient meet and greet, and administration tasks that keep clinics running smoothly. Work may include covering planned and unplanned leave and supporting staff during theatre sessions. A structured orientation supports a confident start, with opportunities for ongoing learning and development built into the role.

Teamwork sits at the centre of daily practice, with a strong focus on culturally safe care and equity for tamariki and whānau.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Western Bay oral health team delivers community based dental services for children, working across fixed clinics and mobile settings. The team is supportive, practical, and committed to improving access and outcomes for Māori and Pasifika communities. Tauranga offers the balance of meaningful work and an outdoor lifestyle, with beaches, walking tracks, and a strong sense of community close to home.

Click here to learn more about the Bay of Plenty

About You

You are an experienced Dental Assistant who enjoys working with children and contributing to a calm, welcoming clinical environment. You bring reliability, attention to detail, and a respectful approach to whānau engagement. Cultural awareness, flexibility, and a team first mindset shape how work is approached each day.

What you will bring:

• Previous experience working in a dental environment
• Understanding of and commitment to culturally safe practice
• Strong focus on infection prevention including health and safety
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Minimum of a Restricted NZ driver licence
• Willingness to support service delivery across planned and unplanned staffing needs

To view the Position Description please click here

Working for 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 Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 2 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact bp-Careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.