Army Dental Assistant

Military Role

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 Royal New Zealand Dental Corps (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.

Requirements

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

NCEA Level 2 certificate

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Fitness & Medical

You must be medically fit for service.

You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.

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: https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/how-do-i-join/am-i-eligible

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.

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

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.

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.

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
• Subsidised insurance cover