Dental Assistant

Permanent Part Time 0.2 FTE - 16 Hours per fortnight

Thursday 0800 -1630 Hours

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we - re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a Dental Assistant for the Dental Department at Timaru Hospital. The role provides assistance to the dental surgeon with clinics and elective Theatre sessions generally on a Thursday 0800 -1630 hours.

The role reports to the Charge Nurse Manager of the Outpatients department and supports the dental surgeon to provide safe, appropriate, patient focused care. Along with management of the booking system the role will also greet and prepare patients for surgery, be responsible for ordering of medical supplies for the clinic and sterilisation of instruments.

About you

Ideally, the successful person will have previous experience and a dental health qualification along with excellent interpersonal /communication skills (both written and verbal) with an ability to work with both adults and children.

Other success attributes for this person in this role;

Understands contemporary infection control practices.

• Has competent computer skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Effective planning and prioritisation skills with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• A personal commitment to professional development and continuous quality improvement.
• Willingness to contribute positively to the unit teams performance and outcome
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is - the weaving of wellness - . We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Salary Range

This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the PSA collective and the salary will be in accordance with the Pay Scale, and dependent on relevant experience.

How to Apply

Please apply for this vacancy online at https://scdhb.careercentre.net.nz

We look forward to receiving your application directly via our Careers Site.

If you have any questions regarding this role please contact Human Resources by phoning 03 687-2230.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert on 23 February 2025. The role may close early if a suitable applicant is found before the close.