"Dental Assistant-2501700"

FACULTY OF DENTISTRY | TE KAUPEKA PŪNIHO

•  Salary + 6.75% Superannuation + 5 weeks annual leave.

•  Career Development + tertiary study benefit. 

•  Insurance and Local Business Discounts

The role | Te mahi

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual to join our dedicated team at the Faculty of Dentistry. In this essential role, you will play a key part in supporting undergraduate and postgraduate dental students, academic staff, and the dental hospital, all of whom contribute to the training of New Zealand’s future oral health professionals.

In this role, you will support one or more clinical or teaching areas, becoming a dependable and approachable presence for patients, students, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Preparing clinics for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching sessions

•    Providing chairside assistance during clinical procedures

•    Supporting patient care and management

•    Ensuring effective sterilisation and maintenance of dental instruments

We welcome applications from individuals who hold dual qualifications in dental assisting and sterilising.

If you’re passionate about clinical education and patient care, and enjoy working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for candidates with:

•    Excellent people and communication skills. 

•    Dental Assistant experience preferred; however, we are willing to train the ideal candidate.

•    New Zealand Dental Assistants' Certificate or equivalent qualification as recognised by the Faculty of Dentistry (Preferred)

•    Sterilising experience in a dental or hospital facility (an advantage).

Further details | Pūroko

These are permanent roles, starting in February 2026. We have opportunities available for full-time, part-time, or semester time only (approx. 31 weeks per year) based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin

Hours of work will be by arrangement with your supervisor, between the hours of 7am and 6pm.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The appointment range for these positions are Level 3 ($59,494 to $63,000. Top of range $68,847) or Level 4 ($63,508 to $68,185. Top of range $73,640) depending upon experience. 

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Children Act 2014. Candidates who successfully make the final stages of the recruitment process will be required to undergo a safety check. For further information, please click here.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Jacqui Lodge, Team Leader, Clinical Services via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2501700 will close Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Please indicate in your cover letter your interest in working either, full-time, part-time or semester time only.

Applications may be considered as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact:Jacqui Lodge

Position details:Job Description

Further Information:Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy:Create email

Location:About Dunedin

Primary Location NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status Permanent 

Salary Level and Range Level 4 (Range of Appointments $63,508 to $68,185, Top of Range $73,640)

Organisation Clinical Services

Job Function Dental