Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Healthcare
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Varied
As a Dental Assistant in the NZ Army you will be a member of an oral health team which is responsible for providing dental services to the personnel of the NZ Defence Force (NZDF).
The RNZDC provides a full range of comprehensive oral health care to our service personnel and the Dental Assistant plays an integral role in this team. Your day will vary, so dental assistants need to be highly organised individuals. Patients will rely on you for reassurance so it will be important that you communicate well and enjoy working in the health environment.
Accepting Applications
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Recruit Regular Force 417, starts 07 Jul 2025 Apply by 24 Mar 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
There may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
Dental work on a U.S. aircraft carrier
“Being part of a big exercise, we get to work with other dentists from different nations and see how they operate, and making new friends from all around the world.”
Captain Zia Yew Loo
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Job on base
The role of a Dental Assistant in the military is to provide assistance to the Dental Officer during clinical procedures. This can range from simple mouth examinations, to fillings, or to the surgical extraction of teeth during complex oral surgical procedures.
You will be responsible for preparing the surgery for each procedure, maintaining the surgery equipment and applying detailed infection control processes.
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Job on deployment
Dental assistants can be deployed as part of the oral health team within New Zealand and overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions and exercises.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you’ll be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have got what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- Army Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid
- Physical Fitness
02Job Training
Job Training
Soon after completing your recruit training you will be required to attend RNZDC Dental Basic Course. This course is three weeks long and teaches the basics in cross infection control, routine clinical procedures and administrative duties required within the Dental Centre.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
After completion of the Dental Basic Course, you will progress to on the job confirmation and evaluation over the next two years, gaining New Zealand Dental Association qualifications in dental assisting and sterilisation technology.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
Dental Assistants may be given the opportunity to apply for a Bachelor of Oral Health Degree at either AUT or Otago.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Army career?
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