Team Leader – Dental Assistants

• Christchurch – Christchurch Health Campus - Dental Service

• Permanent full time working 40 hours per week

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 an experienced and motivated Team Leader – Dental Assistants to join our Hospital Dental Service.

This is a key leadership role responsible for the coordination, support and day-to-day management of a team of Dental Assistants (16.9 FTE). You will work in partnership with clinical and operational leaders to ensure the smooth running of dental services, supporting safe, efficient and high-quality care for patients.

You will play a vital role in staff leadership, workforce planning, and service improvement, ensuring clinics are well-supported and resourced to deliver optimal outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, supervision and day-to-day support to Dental Assistants
• Lead training and development of staff
• Foster a positive, professional and high-performing team culture
• Support ongoing learning and development within the team

Rostering & Workforce Coordination

• Effectively roster Dental Assistants to ensure safe staffing across all clinical sessions
• Manage leave requests and staffing coverage to maintain service delivery
• Ensure clinics are optimally staffed to maximise efficiency and patient access

Service Coordination & Operations

• Oversee the coordination of Dental Assistants across the Hospital Dental Service
• Ensure clinical supplies, equipment and laundry are available and well managed
• Maintain high standards of performance, safety and compliance with policies
• Support booking processes to maximise clinic utilisation

Quality Improvement & Health & Safety

• Contribute to service planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives
• Actively participate in Health & Safety planning and promote safe work practices
• Ensure infection control standards are consistently maintained
• Work collaboratively with the Practice Coordinator, Service Manager and Clinical Director to review and improve processes 

About You

Essential

• Extensive experience working as a Dental Assistant
• Proven experience in staff leadership or management
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience using electronic patient management systems
• Knowledge and experience in continuous quality improvement
• Strong understanding of infection control practices in a clinical setting

Desirable

• NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting (or equivalent qualification) 

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 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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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

Position description Apply now

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