Dental Assistant – Outreach Fulltime (1 FTE)
Auckland Regional Dental Service
Central Auckland Area
The Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS) is the largest Community Oral Health Service in Aotearoa. We serve an enrolled population of approximately 300,000 tamariki providing free dental services from birth through to the end of school year 8. Our clinical teams provide care from a number of dental facilities across the motu including fixed dental hubs and mobile facilities.
The opportunity | Ngā whakaritenga o te mahi
We are looking for a Dental Assistant to join the Community Outreach programme for the Central Auckland area.
Bring your love and passion for the future of our Tamariki to this new and exciting programme. Make a difference with your understanding of Te Ao Māori, unique life experiences and your connection with community to help meet community and whānau needs.
The outreach model of care will use a targeted methodology that will not only address inequities but utilise an engagement strategy and framework that encourages relationships with our key communities and whanau.
A vital part of the programme is to provide dental services onsite to specific priority Mainstream schools and Early childcare centres (ECE' s), Kura Kaupapa, Bi-Lingual units, Kōhanga Reo and Pacific Language nests.
We welcome school leavers, those returning to the workforce, parents, caregivers, and whānau members.
The role involves

• Supporting and assisting dental therapists to provide efficient customer focused dental services to clients
• Providing administrative support as required
• Delivering oral health education sessions and attending community events
• Liaising with Kura Kaupapa, Kōhanga reo, language nests, mainstream schools and early childcare Centres to facilitate dental visits
• Undertaking sterilisation and Infection prevention processes to requirements
• Working positively within the Community Outreach Programme alongside colleagues and other team members for the benefit of our communities

About you | He kōrero mōu
The Outreach programme is a great stepping stone for those who are keen to start their journey in public and community health as well as the opportunity to be part of a supportive team environment, working alongside our wider Outreach and ARDS teams.
Prior experience in a dental environment is an advantage but full training will be provided.
Dental Assistants will ideally have:

• Life experiences that bring value to the programme and a willingness to learn
• A positive and fun communication style
• Recognition of and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• An enthusiasm for working in health and with Tamariki
• A can do attitude, an ability to problem solve and be flexible to ensure service provision is prioritised
• A self-directed and motivated approach to your mahi
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with Iwi, hapū, Kura, Kōhanga Reo, Tamariki, Whānau, and ARDS Staff.
• An aspiration to grow your personal and professional skill base

Please read the job description attached please click here
If you are interested in the role, have any questions or would just like to korero about the position contact Dianne Houston, Community Development and Planning Manager on 021 813 239 or email Dianne.Houston@waitematadhb.govt.nz
We are happy to consider flexible working options for the right candidate e.g. Job share opportunities, part –time.
For support with your online application, please contact Bairavi Thavarasa on Bairavi.Thavarasa@waitematadhb.govt.nz or 09 442 7251.
Please note:

• You will need to be able to provide evidence of legal work entitlement (permanent) and a current full NZ driver's licence.
• There is an expectation that in this role you will need to drive a large van between sites, full training will be provided.
• You will also need to be able to work during the school holiday periods.

This role is an opportunity to have a real impact on your community. If you would like to be considered, apply online today!
Please note all applications must be submitted online.
Closing Date: 7 November 2024
Job Number: WDHB18377