Oral Health Therapist

• Permanent part time 0.5FTE (20 hours per week)
• Hours of Work are between Monday – Friday 0800 -1700 (days negotiable)
• Based at Hospital Dental Service, Christchurch Outpatients
  

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

The Hospital Dental Service (HDS) includes dentists and dental specialists, dental technicians, dental assistants and administration staff.  We are a collaborative team who provide treatment to patients with complex health needs.

As an Oral Health Therapist within our Hospital Dental Department, you’ll provide high-quality oral health treatment and preventive services to patients under the care of Hospital Dental Service. Most patients you will support are undergoing management for head and neck cancer, alongside individuals with special care or medically complex needs.

You’ll work closely with an experienced multidisciplinary team, providing oral health therapy and hygiene care, supporting clinical colleagues, and contributing to safe, effective and culturally responsive service delivery. This role offers variety, meaningful patient contact, professional complexity, and the opportunity to contribute to improved health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide high-quality oral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment and preventive care within your scope of practice
• Undertake intra- and extra-oral examinations, mucosal surveillance, risk assessments and radiographic imaging (where qualified)
• Formulate patient-centred, evidence-based care plans
• Provide clinical care including prophylaxis, periodontal treatment, preventive procedures, application of agents, impressions, and fitting guards/splints
• Deliver oral health education and counselling to patients and whānau
• Support and advocate for equitable health outcomes for Māori and other priority groups
• Maintain accurate contemporaneous clinical records (Titanium)
• Work collaboratively with HDS clinicians, multidisciplinary teams, and external services
• Participate in clinical quality assurance, audits and case reviews
• Uphold infection prevention and control standards and Health NZ policies
  

About You

You’ll be an experienced, patient-focused Oral Health Therapist or Dental Hygienist who brings clinical skill, cultural competence and a collaborative mindset. You will demonstrate empathy, excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong professional relationships.

Your skills and experience will also include:

• Current registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand and an annual practicing certificate
• Strong communication, organisation and time management skills
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how to apply its principles in practice
• Ability to work independently, problem solve, and remain composed under pressure
• Experience in a hospital or specialist dental setting is desirable
• Knowledge of Titanium patient management system advantageous
• Dental Council-approved local anaesthetic and radiography qualifications preferred
  

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 diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 19th March. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@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.