Dental Hygienist
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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsResponsible for the ongoing oral health of the NZDF personnel through clinical procedures and education; this is a diverse and exciting role.
- ServiceArmy
- SpecialisationMedical and Health
- LocationVaried
-
Starting Trade Training$77,181
About the role
The role of the Dental Hygienist is to provide a combination of clinical skills and oral health education to help patients obtain and maintain good personal oral health standards.
On base, you will be responsible for scaling and debridement of deposits from teeth, taking x-rays, constructing mouthguards, providing fluoride treatments and a variety of other tasks.
Dental teams can be deployed within New Zealand and overseas to support NZDF personnel on operational missions and exercises.
On the remote Tongan island of Lifuka, New Zealand Army Dental Hygienist, Lance Corporal Victoria Nawalaniec, found herself a long way from her private practice roots.
Career progression and training
Career Progression
Basic Training
Job Training
Ongoing Training
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.
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
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.
After two years of service, you will be required to attend the Dental Intermediate Course. You will also need to attend continued professional development courses to maintain your Annual Practising Certificate.
Salary and 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.
$50,597
Under Initial Training
$77,181
Starting Trade Training
$146,057
Future potential earnings
Figures updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and 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
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness and Medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be at least 17 years of age
- Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain CV security clearance for this trade
- A Diploma of Dental Hygiene (or equivalent)
- Registered with the Dental Council of NZ
- You must be medically fit for service.
- Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
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.
Ready to start your Army career?
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