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.

Two Oral Health Therapists sitting on either side of a primary school aged patient for her dental treatment.

Salary, allowances & leave

Salary:

Oral Health Therapists have a 10-step progression salary scale
- Salaries range between NZ $59K - NZ $116K
Set rates for overtime, penal time, and callbacks
If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

Allowances:

Set allowances for on-call, higher duties, shift coordination, duly authorised officers, authorised officers, telephone on-call and meals (where required)

Leave:

4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
- shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work
A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum
6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service
- up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
Long service leave

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 and experience

Begin your career
To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require an appropriate registration and hold an Annual Practising Certificate: You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and be eligible for general or provisional general registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand. Dental Council NZ Approved Training Programmes in New Zealand: University of Otago Bachelor of Oral Health and a Dental Council New Zealand accredited Adult restorative programme Auckland University of Technology Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health and a Dental Council New Zealand accredited Adult restorative programme Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice), University of Melbourne
Other helpful links
Oral Health Therapist Competencies Oral Health Degree - Bachelor of Health Science - AUT Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH), Qualifications, University of Otago, New Zealand
Bachelor of Oral Health from Otago University Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health from Auckland University of Technology.

Internationally qualified candidates

Crown and Bridge/Prosthodontic Hygienist
Orthodontic Hygienist
Periodontal Hygienist
Community Dental Therapist
School Dental Therapist
School Dental Nurse

International accredited training programmes

Australia:

Dental Board of Australia-approved programmes that allow graduates registration 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

Roles and responsibilities

Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and implementing the principles
Engaging with local communities for better health outcomes
The practice of Oral Health Therapy is the provision of Oral Health assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment and preventive care for patients in accordance with this scope of practice and an Oral Health Therapist’s approved education, training, experience and competence
Oral health education, disease prevention and oral health promotion for individuals and communities are core activities, aimed at achieving and maintaining oral health as an integral part of general health
Extra-oral and intra-oral examination of the soft and hard tissues of the orofacial region, including intra-and-extra-oral radiographic imaging of adequate diagnostic quality and photographic imaging
Formulate an accurate diagnosis for dental caries and periodontal diseases or seek additional clinical opinion or refer as required
Oral Health education
Preventative care
Periodontal management
Direct restorations that are appropriate for the nature and extent of tooth tissue loss and in the best interests of the patient including placing stainless steel crowns on primary teeth
Oral disease management including dental caries, non-carious tooth tissue loss, tooth abnormalities and aesthetic problems
Dental extractions of deciduous teeth
Pulpotomy on primary teeth
Local anaesthesia appropriately to treatment
Orthodontics - Assist the dentist or dental specialist in implementing orthodontic treatment plans.

Our application process

Step 1: Submit

Complete the registration form as your expression of interest in an Oral Health Therapist role

Step 2: Review

Our Candidate Management Team will review your application and check your suitability

Step 3: Contact

You will be contacted by our Candidate Management Team to discuss career and location options

Step 4: Referral

You will be contacted by our District recruitment teams

Step 5: Progress

Your chosen Recruitment Team(s) will be in touch with you to continue the recruitment process

Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua - Credit: Miles Holden

Location: Te Arai, Auckland - Credit: Miles Holden

Outrigger canoeing, Rotorua - Credit: Miles Holden

Location: Rotorua, Central Plateau - Credit: Miles Holden

Location: Wānaka, Otago - Credit: Miles Holden

He Puna Taimoana, Chch- Credit: Miles Holden

Location: He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch - Credit: Miles Holden

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.

Oral Health Therapist educating patient (stock image)

A community oral health therapist at school standing next to a smiling next to a primary school aged patient on the dentist's chair

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!

He Puna Taimoana OHT Midpage Banner Stacked

Photo location: Christchurch - Credit: Miles Holden

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.

Select region

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!

Explore Northland

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.

Explore Waitematā

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.

Explore Auckland

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.

Explore Counties Manukau

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.

Explore the Bay of Plenty

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.

Explore the Waikato

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.

Explore Gisborne

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.

Explore the Lakes District

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!

Explore Taranaki

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.

Explore Hawke's Bay

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.

Explore Whanganui

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.

Explore Capital, Coast & 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.

Explore MidCentral

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.

Explore the Wairarapa

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.

Explore Nelson Marlborough

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.

Explore the West Coast

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.

Explore Canterbury

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.

Explore South Canterbury

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.

Explore the Southern District

Oral Health Therapy

On this page

About the role

Salary, allowances & leave

Required qualifications and experience

Internationally qualified candidates

Roles and responsibilities

Our application process

Step 1: Submit

Step 2: Review

Step 3: Contact

Step 4: Referral

Step 5: Progress

Working at Health New Zealand

Our commitment to you

Looking to move to New Zealand to work as an Oral Health Therapist?

Explore Aotearoa

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

Waitematā

Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Counties Manukau

Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

Waikato

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Lakes

Taranaki

Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay

Whanganui

Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral

Wairarapa

Nelson Marlborough

Te Tai o Poutini West Coast

Waitaha Canterbury

South Canterbury

Southern

Northern Region

Te Manawa Taki Region

Central Region

Te Waipounamu Region