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Oral Health Therapy
Seize the opportunity of a lifetime as an Oral Health Therapist! Provide a range of dental services focused on preventive and restorative oral care.
Whether it's working with children or adults, you'll be making an important difference in our communities.
Photo location: Split Apple Rock, Tasman - Credit: Miles Holden
About the role
Oral Health Therapists have the knowledge, skills and experience to educate and care for patients’ teeth and gums. They work in partnership with local communities to improve services and health outcomes.
We want our team of teams to reflect the diversity of the communities we're working to improve care for, including those that historically have been underserved by the health system.
New Zealand offers a broad range of opportunities in a range of environments from fast-paced metropolitan centres to community-focused healthcare in urban, rural and remote settings.

Salary, allowances & leave
Salary
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Oral Health Therapists have a 9-step progression salary scale. Salaries range between NZ$65K – NZ$98K.
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Experienced or senior Oral Health Therapists may be placed at higher steps based on responsibilities and service length.
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Overtime and penal rates apply for work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays.
Allowances
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Higher duties allowance (for acting in senior roles)
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On-call allowance (if applicable)
Leave
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4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
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Shift employees may receive up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave after 12 months of shift work
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Minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per year
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6–12 months of parental leave, depending on length of service
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Up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave (provided by the New Zealand Government)
Additional benefits
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Reimbursement of your professional registration fees
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Professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health New Zealand
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Time and funding for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
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If eligible, at least a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand
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12 paid public holidays, plus time in lieu or an alternative holiday if rostered on
Oral Health Therapists' Collective Agreement:
In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Oral Health Therapists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.
Required qualifications & experience
Oral Health Therapist qualification
You must hold an approved qualification in oral health therapy. Common pathways include:
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A Bachelor of Oral Health from a New Zealand institution (e.g. University of Otago or Auckland University of Technology)
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An overseas qualification assessed as equivalent to New Zealand standards by the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ)
Registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ)
All Oral Health Therapists must be registered with the DCNZ to practise legally in New Zealand.
Applicants must submit proof of their qualifications, identification, and evidence of fitness to practise.
Annual practising certificate (APC)
To work as an Oral Health Therapist, you must hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which must be renewed annually.
To maintain your APC, you must:
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Meet the Dental Council’s recertification requirements
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Complete regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Roles & responsibilities
Governance & professional standards
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Work within the scope of practice defined by the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ)
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Maintain competence in line with DCNZ recertification and CPD requirements
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Comply with supervision requirements if newly qualified or overseas-trained
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Hold a recognised qualification and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
Cultural competency & community engagement
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Understand and apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) principles
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Deliver equitable care and engage respectfully with Māori and diverse communities
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Support health promotion and prevention activities in schools and community settings
Clinical assessment & treatment
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Assess oral health status and develop treatment plans for children, adolescents and adults
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Provide routine dental care including examinations, radiographs, fluoride treatments and sealants
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Diagnose and treat dental caries and periodontal conditions within your scope
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Restore primary and permanent teeth using appropriate restorative materials
Preventive care & oral health education
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Provide oral health education and promote self-care practices
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Deliver health promotion messages in schools, whānau settings and clinics
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Support early intervention and prevention of oral disease
Infection control & clinical safety
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Follow best practice in sterilisation, disinfection and infection prevention
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Maintain a clean, safe and well-prepared clinical environment
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Comply with all Health New Zealand safety and hygiene protocols
Interprofessional collaboration
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Work closely with Dentists, Dental Assistants, Therapists, and other health professionals
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Refer patients to other providers where care is outside your scope
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Participate in school-based dental programmes and mobile clinics
Health records & documentation
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Record clinical findings, treatments and education provided
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Maintain accurate, confidential and timely patient records
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Use digital health systems in line with Te Whatu Ora documentation standards
Teaching, mentoring & quality improvement
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Support the education of dental students or new graduates in clinical settings
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Participate in service development, audits and health quality initiatives
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Contribute to ongoing service improvement and community engagement efforts
Expanded scope & advanced practice
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Undertake additional training to deliver extended services such as adult care or radiography
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Support specialist services where appropriately trained and authorised
Information for international candidates
Information for international candidates
Internationally qualified Oral Health Therapists include practitioners who hold a recognised overseas qualification and:
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Have relevant post-qualification experience in oral health therapy
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Are registered or eligible for registration in their home country
Overseas-trained applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the DCNZ. You may be required to complete a competence assessment or pass an examination to meet New Zealand registration requirements. Learn more about registering with the Dental Council here.
International accredited training programmes
Australia:
- Dental Board of Australia-approved programmes that allow graduates to register in the Oral Health Therapist Scope of Practice in Australia. For those Australian programmes where the adult restorative treatment is not accredited as part of the undergraduate programme, a Dental Council New Zealand-accredited programme is required to remove the Adult restorative treatment exclusion.
- New Zealand Oral Health Therapist Registration Examination and a Dental Council New Zealand-accredited Adult restorative programme.
Dental Council-accredited Adult restorative programme
- Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice), University of Melbourne
Internationally qualified candidates
- Crown and Bridge/Prosthodontic Hygienist
- Orthodontic Hygienist
- Periodontal Hygienist
- Community Dental Therapist
- School Dental Therapist
- School Dental Nurse
Find out more about life in New Zealand
We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.

Apply for an Oral Health Therapist role
Domestically Trained Candidates
If you trained in New Zealand or Australia, search current vacancies with our districts to apply for here:
Internationally Trained Candidates
If you trained outside of New Zealand or Australia, register through our International Recruitment Centre here:
Working at Health New Zealand
'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.
Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our cross-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment to you
We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.



Looking to move to New Zealand to work as an Oral Health Therapist?
Great news! Oral Health Therapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.

Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!

Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.

Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.

Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.

Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.

Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.

Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.

Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.

Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!

Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.

Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.

Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.

Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.

Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.

Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.

Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.

South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.

Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.

Photo location: Christchurch - Credit: Miles Holden |