Dental Therapist

Palmerston North Hospital, P

Permanent Fulltime

Make a Lasting Impact – Join Us as an Oral Health Therapist!

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 an Oral Health Therapist, you'll work in partnership with children, adolescents, and their whanau to provide safe, effective, and culturally responsive oral health care. You\'ll be part of a region-wide service focused on prevention, education, and treatment—making a real difference in our communities.

About the Team / Service

At Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand – MidCentral, our Community Child and Adolescent Oral Health Service is committed to supporting the oral health of tamariki and rangatahi across the region—from Manawatu to Horowhenua and Tararua.

We provide comprehensive, region-wide care including oral health assessments, treatment, prevention, and ongoing management for children and adolescents up to 18 years old. Our service is delivered in schools and community clinics, making oral health care accessible and inclusive.

Our Dental and Oral Health Therapists work in close partnership with young people and their whanau to deliver safe, high-quality care that meets professional and organisational standards. We collaborate with a wide network of health and education professionals—including school staff, general practice teams, allied health services, and community providers—to ensure a holistic and supportive approach to oral health.

Together, we\'re building healthier futures—one smile at a time.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Maori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions. With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you\'ll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About you

You\'re a qualified and motivated Oral Health Therapist who\'s passionate about improving oral health outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. You bring a mix of clinical skill, cultural awareness, and a genuine commitment to providing quality, whanau-centred care.

You\'ll Bring :

• A recognised Dental Therapy qualification and a current Annual Practising Certificate
• Strong communication skills – written, oral, and interpersonal
• Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice
• A clean, current driver\'s licence and the ability to travel across the region
• A professional, team-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement
• The ability to work confidently within defined policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Great time management and organisational skills
• A warm, approachable manner that helps build trust with tamariki, whanau, and school communities
• Experience working in child-centred or healthcare environments
• Familiarity with busy, multi-disciplinary settings
• A full New Zealand driver\'s licence
• Previous experience engaging directly with consumers and whanau

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you\'re drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you\'ll find your ideal lifestyle here. It\'s a family-friendly region that\'s easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions : Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you\'re heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

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 the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Allied Health Recruitment (Email : )

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Job details

Job Reference :

Location : North Island - Manawatu / Whanganui - Palmerston North

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