• North Island, New Zealand
• Permanent part-time role (32 hours/week) with flexibility and variety
• Training opportunities in both general and specialist dentistry
• Work across diverse communities with a highly skilled, supportive team
• Vibrant city, surrounded by nature, culture and lifestyle balance

The opportunity

We’re seeking a passionate Community Dental Officer to join our Oral Health Service at Waikato Hospital. This role is based in Hamilton, in the North Island of New Zealand, with regular travel to rural hospitals and community clinics.

You’ll provide dental care beyond the scope of dental/oral health therapists, including treatment under nitrous oxide sedation and general anaesthetic for eligible preschoolers, students, and adolescents. You’ll also support education programmes for undergraduate and graduate dental trainees. Click here to view the position description.

About us

Our Oral Health Service is committed to equity and eliminating health inequalities. We care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, working closely with specialty services to deliver high-quality care.

Relationships are central to our work – whether with patients, family/whānau, or colleagues. We take pride in our collaborative, culturally responsive approach and our focus on improving oral health across communities.

Waikato Hospital offers a dynamic clinical and learning environment with advanced facilities, seven hundred and twenty-two beds, and strong academic ties. Based in Hamilton, our main campus is supported by regional hospitals.

The location

Hamilton is the heart of the Waikato, and offers a lifestyle that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban convenience. Nestled along the Waikato River, the city is known for its stunning Hamilton Gardens, vibrant cafe culture, and a calendar full of events – from Balloons Over Waikato to National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural expo.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find surf beaches like Raglan, hiking trails in the Kaimai Ranges, and geothermal wonders in Rotorua. Whether you’re into mountain biking, kayaking, vineyard lunches, or weekend escapes to the Coromandel, it’s all within reach.

Hamilton is also family-friendly, with excellent schools, a welcoming community, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s a place where you can thrive professionally while enjoying the outdoors, arts, and a strong sense of connection. For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

You’re a skilled, compassionate Dentist who thrives in a team and enjoys variety. You bring the following:

• Experience in community dentistry, with a postgraduate qualification or strong interest in public oral health care
• Confidence with sedation and general anaesthetic
• Commitment to equity and culturally safe practice
• Passion for teaching and mentoring
• Eligibility for registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community.

Please click ‘apply online’ or apply via our Waikato Careers Website by clicking here. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anban Nair: Anban.Nair@waikatodhb.health.nz