Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Healthcare | Officers & Management
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Entry type
Officer entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Various
As a Dental Officer in the New Zealand Army, you will provide oral health care to NZDF military personnel.
If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz.
Requirements
Basics
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
- Pass an Officer Selection Board.
Education
Qualified Dentist, registered with the Dental Council of NZ (or in final year of dental studies).
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
As part of the oral health team, your role will involve the effective and timely delivery of quality oral health care to patients, and providing clinical supervision and mentoring to other members of the team.
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Job on deployment
Oral health teams can be deployed within New Zealand and overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions and exercises. This includes forensic odontology as part of disaster victim identification.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Officer Cadet School (OCS)
(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp
Initial training begins in early January. Attendees at this training will be a mixture of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.
The training will be split into three modules and attendance at Modules One, Two and Three is required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same year or in consecutive years.
Training covers:
- NZ Army Ethos and Values
- Self-leadership
- Physical Training
- Basic field-craft
- Military Unarmed Combat
- Weapon handling
- Navigation
- Battle-craft
- Radio telephone procedure
- Weapon handling
- Drill
- NZ Army tactics
- Leadership
02Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
There are opportunities to further your professional development and tertiary study.
After initial employment and training the NZ Army may provide funding and study leave for Dental Officers to complete further professional study for a number of different courses including post graduate clinical doctorates and diplomas.
03Career Progression
Career Progression
As a Dental Officer in the New Zealand Army, you will receive comprehensive training to allow you to effectively lead teams, in all kinds of situations. You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training. There are also opportunities to further your professional development and the possibility of further tertiary study.
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
$134,000
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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