- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 59,494 – NZD 73,640 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 2 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- New Zealand Dental Assistants' Certificate or equivalent qualification
- Eligibility
- Candidates who have the right to live and work in New Zealand may apply. The role is open to people interested in full-time, part-time, or semester-time work, and the employer welcomes applicants with dual qualifications in dental assisting and sterilising.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Role overview
The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago is looking for a well-organised and proactive Dental Assistant to join its clinical team in Dunedin. This position is important to the smooth running of undergraduate and postgraduate dental teaching, while also supporting academic staff, patients, and the dental hospital.
The successful person will be a reliable and friendly point of support across one or more clinical or teaching areas, helping students, staff, patients, and visitors in a busy educational setting.
Key duties
- Get clinical areas ready for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching sessions.
- Assist chairside during dental procedures.
- Help with patient support and day-to-day care coordination.
- Carry out sterilisation tasks and maintain dental instruments to required standards.
Skills and experience
We are seeking someone with strong interpersonal and communication abilities, along with a genuine interest in clinical education and patient care. Prior experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred, but suitable candidates may be trained. A New Zealand Dental Assistants' Certificate, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Faculty, is preferred. Experience with sterilisation in a dental or hospital environment would be an advantage.
Additional information
This is a permanent opportunity available in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The role can be offered full-time, part-time, or semester-time only, with semester-time work being approximately 31 weeks each year. The planned start is July 2026.
Working hours are arranged with the supervisor and fall between 7:00am and 6:00pm.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in New Zealand. Final-stage candidates will be required to complete a safety check under the Children Act 2014.
The University values diversity and inclusive thinking, and welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Applications must include a CV and cover letter, and the cover letter should state whether you are interested in full-time, part-time, or semester-time work. Reference number 2600913 should be included. Applications close on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and may be reviewed as they are received. The employer also reserves the right to close the vacancy early.
Pay and benefits
The package includes salary, 6.75% superannuation, and 5 weeks of annual leave. Additional benefits include career development support, a tertiary study benefit, insurance, and local business discounts.
Pay range
The appointment range for this role is Level 3 at $59,494 to $63,000, with a top step of $68,847, or Level 4 at $63,508 to $68,185, with a top step of $73,640, depending on experience.