Oral Health Therapist - Thames

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

We are searching for a registered Dental Therapist / Oral Health Therapist to join our Eastern oral health team working on a mobile dental unit in Thames, Coromandel and surrounding areas.

You will be part of the national transformation in Health.

Youll manage comprehensive oral health services and make a real difference in eliminating health inequalities in our community.

Key responsibilities :

• Conduct oral health assessments and develop individualized care plans.
• Provide preventive and therapeutic dental treatments.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and disease prevention.
• Collaborate with the wider healthcare team to promote holistic patient care.
• Maintain accurate patient records and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team / Service

With a focus on preventive care and patient education, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their oral health and lead healthier lives.

Our team's commitment to excellence ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care, making us a trusted and valued resource in Waikato.

About Thames

Thames Hospital is a modern 50-bed secondary care facility offering a comprehensive range of services, including an emergency department, inpatient care, day surgery, an infusion unit, rehabilitation services, birthing unit and low-acuity mental health care.

Our hospital boasts 24-hour laboratory and radiology services, including advanced CT imaging.

As an accredited training hub, we support 5th and 6th-year medical students from Auckland University, PGY2 House Officers, and registrars in Rural Hospital Medicine and General and Acute Care Medicine.

We offer a robust quality improvement program, CME opportunities, and an RMO teaching program.

Telehealth is expanding at Thames, supporting inpatient care, outpatient clinics, and emergency services like stroke thrombolysis.

Located in the heart of The Coromandel, Thames is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

The area offers a mix of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich cultural heritage, including Maori history and the town's gold mining past.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley with hiking and camping right on your doorstep.

Thames also marks the beginning of the Hauraki Rail Trail, perfect for cycling through the regions scenic landscapes.

With an abundance of caf s, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames provides a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and community.

It's an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty and lifestyle of the Coromandel.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

Join us - Come and join us at Thames Hospital

About you

Required skills and experience you will need to be considered for the role :

• Have up-to-date clinical skills
• Knowledge and understanding of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• You will need to be flexible, organised, self-motivated and demonstrate that you can work effectively with whanau to improve oral health.
• You will be a team player who understand the importance of partnering with dental assistants and who values support, friendship and development.
• You will have an appreciation of the values and culture that form our successful oral health team.

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 Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11 : 59 pm on 5 October2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elisa Travailleur at

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