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
The role of the Dental Hygienist is to provide a combination of clinical skills and oral health education to help patients obtain and maintain good personal oral health standards.
On base, you will be responsible for scaling and debridement of deposits from teeth, taking x-rays, constructing mouthguards, providing fluoride treatments and a variety of other tasks.
Dental teams can be deployed within New Zealand and overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions and exercises.
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.
Education
- A Diploma of Dental Hygiene (or equivalent).
- Registered with the Dental Council of NZ.
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.
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 two years of service, you will be required to attend the Dental Intermediate Course. You will also need to attend continued professional development courses to maintain your Annual Practising Certificate.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
You will have the opportunity to attend courses and conferences relevant to the field of dental hygiene. These could be held within New Zealand, or overseas.
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
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