Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Specialist Paediatric Dentist – Christchurch Hospital | Permanent 0.57 FTE

• Join a highly specialised hospital-based paediatric dental service and make a meaningful difference for children with complex oral health needs.
• Work alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams in a supportive tertiary environment.
• Enjoy an exceptional lifestyle in Canterbury with easy access to beaches, mountains, vineyards, and outdoor adventures.

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 seeking a Specialist Paediatric Dentist to join our Hospital Dental Service at Christchurch Hospital in a permanent 0.57 FTE position.

This is a rewarding opportunity to provide specialist oral healthcare for children and young people with significant medical, physical, developmental, or behavioural complexities. You will work with patients who require a level of care beyond that typically delivered in community or general practice settings, helping improve health outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children and adolescents.

As a key member of our specialist team, you will provide clinical leadership in paediatric dentistry, contribute to multidisciplinary care planning, and support the education and development of future dental professionals. The role includes opportunities for teaching, supervision, clinical audit, quality improvement, and participation in postgraduate training programmes.

We are currently advertising this position at 0.57 FTE, with an additional 0.03 FTE anticipated to become available pending final organisational approvals. This may provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to increase their appointment to a total of 0.6 FTE in the future.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Hospital Dental Service provides specialist dental care for patients across Canterbury and the wider South Island who require hospital-based dental treatment. Our team works closely with medical specialists, allied health professionals, community oral health services, and primary care providers to deliver comprehensive and equitable care.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and offers an outstanding quality of life. With world-class outdoor recreation, a vibrant food and arts scene, excellent schools, and affordable housing compared with many international cities, Canterbury provides an exceptional environment in which to live and work.

About You

As a Specialist Paediatric Dentist, you will bring:

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) as a Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry with the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ).
• A current Annual Practising Certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
• Proven experience delivering specialist paediatric dental care.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with patients, whānau, colleagues, and referrers.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to multidisciplinary practice.
• A passion for teaching, mentoring, and continuous professional development.
• The ability to manage a varied and complex clinical workload while maintaining high standards of patient-centred care.

Professional membership in relevant paediatric dental organisations would be advantageous but is not essential.

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 serve our communities. 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.

For further information about the role, please contact Amy Walker, Recruitment Specialist.

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

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

Position description Apply now

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