Strong demand for dental assistants
Demand for new dental assistants a good due to high turnover. Vacancies occur because dental assistants may progress into other dental roles with further training.
However, many dental assistants work part time, which means it can be hard to find full-time work, especially if you are new to the role.
According to the Census, 3,240 dental assistants worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Chances of finding work better in the regions
Chances of finding work as a dental assistant are better outside the main centres as competition for roles is higher in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There is also high competition for hospital dentistry roles.
Types of employers varied
Dental assistants work for:
- dentists
- dental therapists
- oral health therapists
- school and community dental services
- hospital dental units
- the Defence Force.
