Receptionist/Dental Assistant

Receptionist/Dental Assistant

• Provide a vital first point of contact in a busy, forward-facing teaching clinic, supporting student learning and patient care through efficient appointment coordination and communication.
• Contribute to culturally responsive, patient-centred services ensuring manaakitanga and accessibility for priority communities.
• Support clinical operations by assisting with reception, patient flow, and chairside duties, helping maintain accreditation standards and quality clinical experiences for students.
• Join a collaborative team environment with casual hours, directly impacting student success and community oral health outcomes – AUT South campus based

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The role sits within the Oral Health discipline in the School of Acute and Primary Health, Faculty of Environmental and Health Sciences at AUT. The school is committed to delivering high-quality, culturally responsive health education and operates a teaching clinic essential for student clinical training, accreditation, and providing accessible oral health services to diverse communities.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

The Receptionist/Dental Assistant role is a casual position based at the South Campus teaching clinic. The primary purpose of the role is to support the smooth operation of a busy, forward-facing clinic that underpins both patient care and student clinical learning. This includes managing reception functions such as appointment scheduling, responding to enquiries, and coordinating patient flow, alongside providing chairside assistance to support clinical delivery.

Working in a high-demand environment, the role requires the ability to manage time-sensitive communication and maintain efficient systems to ensure patients and students are well supported. It also presents a meaningful opportunity to contribute directly to student success, quality clinical experiences, and improved access to oral health services for diverse communities. A key aspect of the role is delivering a welcoming, culturally responsive first point of contact for patients and whānau, aligned with Te Tiriti.

The position reports to the Clinic Manager and/or Head of Department Oral Health, and works closely with students, academic and clinical staff, and administrative teams. Day-to-day responsibilities focus on supporting clinic operations and patient management systems to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and continuity of care.

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a dental reception and/or dental assisting role, with a strong preference for candidates with a dental background.
• Proven experience in a dental setting, including patient coordination, appointment management, and supporting clinical workflows; ability to manage high-volume enquiries in a fast-paced 19 chair clinic.
• NZDA Dental Assistant qualification (or equivalent recognised dental assistant qualification) is highly preferred
• No mandatory registration required; however, candidates must be eligible to work as a dental assistant in Aotearoa New Zealand and adhere to infection control and health and safety standards
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

This role is considered a children’s worker and will be subject to safety checking as part of the Children’s Act 2014.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: June 2026
• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $31.86 - $33.77 per hour
• For further information: Please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499
• Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 8th June 2026, 11:55pm
• Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: #95696

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.