The role of the Dental Hygienist is to obtain and maintain good dental health amongst New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel through a combination of practical clinical skills and education.

As a Hygienist, you will mostly work on your own. However, the clinical skills that you provide are an important part of a team that aims to give an overview of the dental needs of NZDF personnel.

Job on Camp

You will be responsible for scaling and debridement of deposits from teeth and gums, taking x-rays, making mouthguards, polishing teeth, fillings, advising patients on oral hygiene education, providing fluoride treatments and a variety of other tasks.

Job on Deployment

Dental teams are deployed overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions, some of which have been East Timor and Bougainville.

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.

Aside from your ongoing professional development, you will also learn all the skills required to become a competent soldier. This will include weapons training, fitness, leadership and various other skills not provided to civilian dental workers.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from enlistment is $31,894. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,646 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age

• You must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply)

• You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

• A Diploma of Dental Hygiene (or equivalent)

• Registered with the Dental Council of NZ

• You must be medically fit for service
   

Your first posting will be to wherever the RNZDC most needs you. Unlike many other corps the RNZDC is tri-service, so you can be posted to a Navy, Army or Air Force Dental Team location throughout New Zealand.