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Useful experience for dentists includes work with people, particularly in the health industry.

Dentists may do some or all of the following:

• examine patients' mouth, teeth, gums and jaw
• identify and treat diseased teeth and gums
• replace missing teeth with implants, bridges, or partial or full dentures
• improve the appearance of teeth with veneers, crowns, bleaching or braces
• advise patients on how to keep their teeth clean and prevent diseases
• refer patients to other dental specialists and health professionals
• dental research.

Securing full-time work can take longer for newly-qualified dentists

Newly-qualified dentists may find it difficult to find work, because there is strong competition for vacancies and not all dental practices can provide the necessary support graduates need.

It may take up to a year for dentistry graduates to find full-time work, and initially they may work part time or at multiple dental practices.

According to the Census, 2,055 dentists and dental specialists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Chances of finding work better in regions and for skilled dentists

Chances of finding work as a dentist 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.

Dentist appears on Immigration New Zealand's Green List. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled dentists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Most dentists work in private dental practices

Most dentists are self-employed in a dental practice, but some are employees. Others are employed by:

• hospitals
• community dental services
• the New Zealand Defence Force
• the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago.

University of Otago - Faculty of Dentistry

(03) 479 7019 - dentistry@otago.ac.nz - www.otago.ac.nz

Dentists may progress to set up their own practice.

Dentists may specialise in an area of dentistry such as:

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose diseases, injuries, and defects of the jaw and surrounding structures. They also perform surgery to correct these diseases, injuries or defects.

Oral Medicine Specialist

Oral medicine specialists diagnose and manage the oral health care of patients with medically related disorders of the teeth and jaw.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists diagnose and correct bad bite, crooked teeth and poor jaw growth in children and young people. This often involves fitting braces and can involve correcting facial abnormalities such as a cleft palate.

Paediatric Dentist

Paediatric dentists provide oral health care to children from birth through to adolescence. Their work involves the management of dental problems related to behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities.

Periodontist

Periodontists treat diseases of the gum to prevent tooth loss.

Dentists need to be:

• able to relate to a wide range of people
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to work well under pressure
• good at problem solving and decision making.