Discover a career as an Oral Health Therapist in New Zealand
You educate, prevent and treat – helping people stay healthy from the start. Now it's your turn to find a career that supports your own wellbeing and development. Whether it's lifestyle, balance or professional opportunity you're after, New Zealand has something for you.At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join a team that's focused on early intervention and improving oral health outcomes, particularly for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). We're welcoming qualified Oral Health Therapists who want to be part of a system grounded in prevention, equity and whānau (family)-centred care.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Oral Health Therapists work in community and school-based dental services across many regions of New Zealand. Depending on the district, you may work in:
- Mobile and fixed dental clinics
- School and community oral health services
- Outreach and equity-focused programmes
- Health education and promotion roles
You may also have opportunities to rotate across services, take on leadership roles or specialise in areas such as adolescent oral health or health promotion.
What it's like to work here
Oral Health Therapists are vital to New Zealand's public dental health system, often working autonomously or in small teams to deliver accessible, preventative care in the communities that need it most.
You'll benefit from:
- Strong clinical support and peer networks
- Paid CPD leave and professional development funding
- Flexible work arrangements (part-time and full-time)
- Structured career pathways and leadership options
- Ongoing investment in digital tools and mobile clinics
We're committed to supporting your development and making sure your work is sustainable and rewarding.
Call New Zealand home
If you receive an offer, our Health Immigration Service offers free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Oral Health Therapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you arrive.
From beaches and forests to thriving towns and cities, New Zealand offers a great lifestyle and a real sense of community. Whether you love the outdoors or want more time for family and travel, you'll find space here to thrive.
Salary & benefits
Base salary: NZD $61,254 – $85,204 (based on the APEX Public Health Dental Therapists MECA)
Additional compensation: Penal rates and higher duties where applicable
You'll also receive:
- Reimbursement of your professional registration and APC
- Paid Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time and allowance
- Professional indemnity cover provided by Health NZ
- Four weeks of annual leave per year
- Ten days of paid sick leave
- Twelve public holidays (plus time in lieu if rostered on)
- Fourteen weeks paid parental leave
- Long service and special leave entitlements
What you need to work here
To work as an Oral Health Therapist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). International applicants are assessed on their qualifications, clinical competencies and fitness to practise.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We're building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across the motu (country). Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people – including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community.
Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we aim to create a health system where everyone can thrive.
Ready to make a difference?
Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process – and help you find the right place to call home.
Apply now – and make a difference somewhere different.
