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Dental Technician

Job Group

  • Soldier

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

As a Dental Technician in the Royal New Zealand Dental Corps (RNZDC) you will be a member of an oral health team which is responsible for providing dental care to the personnel of the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) The RNZDC provides a full range of comprehensive dental and oral surgical care to our service personnel and Dental Technicians are a vital part of that team.

Job on Camp

Dental Technicians create fixed and removable oral appliances, such as dentures, ceramic (natural tooth coloured) and gold crowns, implant retained crowns, mouth-guards and other such items. 

The role is very hands on. You will need a certain amount of artistic flair, and have good manual dexterity. You could be shaping wax, moulding plastic resin, casting precious metals, or using wires and composite materials to create a new appliance, custom made for the patient.

Job on Deployment

Dental teams are deployed overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions, some of which have been East Timor and Bougainville. Dental Technicians may also particpate in overseas exercises and have recently done so in various Pacific Island countries.

Career Progression

Dental Technicians are a registered profession, and will work toward a recognised qualification for NZ registration.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from your enlistment is $35,694. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $42,487 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

  • 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.

Educational Requirements

  • Diploma of Dental Technology (or equivalent)

  • Registered with the Dental Council of NZ

Fitness Requirements

  • You must be medically fit for service

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

Job Training

Soon after completing your recruit training you will be required to attend the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment Corps Training Course. On this course you will learn military and logistics skills necessary for your role in a field setting.
 

Ongoing Training

The first trade course you will attend is the Basic Dental Course. This course is three weeks long and teaches the basics of how to assist a Dental Officer with all clinical procedures from fillings to oral surgery.
 

Location Details

Initially this will depend on your qualifications. If you have already gained the relevant qualifications and New Zealand registration, then you would work at the Dental Laboratory, which is at Trentham Military Camp following initial recruit training.