Grow the Māori oral health workforce
Career Pathways
From secondary school to specialist practice — pathways, scholarships, mentoring, and support for Māori entering and thriving in the oral health workforce.
A career in oral health can be challenging, yet rewarding — providing relief of pain and enabling people to smile. The workforce includes dentists, oral health therapists, dental technicians, dental assistants, oral health promoters, and supportive administrators.
The oral health discipline is a branch of medicine that involves research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a person's oral health and function. Working as a clinician requires clinical competence, ethical behaviour, cultural awareness, and excellent communication — building rapport with patients based on trust. Oral health is continually developing, so clinicians need continuous professional development to keep current with emerging research, techniques, and technologies.
Considering a career in oral health? These are good places to start: Kia Ora Hauora, NZDA — careers in dentistry, University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry, and AUT Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery · University of Otago
Dentist
Examine, diagnose and treat diseases, trauma and other problems of the oro-facial structures. Becoming a dentist may lead on to specialisation, academic research, or teaching — working as a contractor, employee, your own boss, or within a hospital setting.
Entry
Based on academic performance in Health Sciences First Year (HSFY), UCAT, and a successful interview with the Faculty of Dentistry Application Board. Useful school subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, maths, English.
Bachelor of Oral Health · Otago & AUT
Oral Health Therapist
Provide routine examinations, preventative and dental treatment for children and adolescents up to 18 — and education that empowers people to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent disease.
Entry
The Bachelor of Oral Health allows registration in both scopes of therapy and hygiene. Useful school subjects: biology, chemistry, English.
Bachelor of Dental Technology · University of Otago
Dental Technician
Design, construct and repair fixed and removable oral appliances — replacing missing teeth and protecting damaged structures, usually at a clinician's direction. Clinical dental technicians can also work directly with the public.
Entry
Offered at the University of Otago. Useful school subjects: biology, art, maths, physics.
Kaiāwhina Mahi Niho · Train on the job
Dental Assistant
Support a dentist or therapist/hygienist in their role and help run the dental clinic — a hands-on entry point into the oral health workforce.
Entry
No specific entry requirements; training is often received on the job.
— Ngā ara
Dental specialties
Dentists can specialise through further training and certification — usually at least three years of postgraduate study. A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (or accepted overseas equivalent), current Annual Practising Certificate, and registration are required.
Endodontist — root canal treatment
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon — surgical correction of oro-facial pathology
Oral Medicine — diagnosis and management of oro-facial pathology
Oral Pathologist — causes and development of pathology, histological analysis
Orthodontist — correction of malocclusion and facial abnormalities
Paediatric Dentist — oral health management for children and adolescents
Periodontist — diseases of the gums, preventing tooth loss
Prosthodontist — restoring function and aesthetics of missing or damaged dentition
Public Health — population-based dentistry, surveillance, policy, health promotion
Special Needs Dentist — care for those with medical, physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities
Jobs · Vacancies
Current vacancies
Post your vacancy here
Te Ao Mārama welcomes the opportunity to share job advertisements that support our oral health whānau and kaupapa. All listings are shared through our website and member communications for a set period. To advertise a role, email nzteaomarama@gmail.com with the position details, closing date, and any relevant links or attachments.
Free for individual Te Ao Mārama members · $400 incl. GST for non-members and organisations (including member submissions on behalf of an employer)
