Carries out preventative dental procedures under the direction of a dentist.

Provides educational programmes to motivate children, parents and the community in matters relating to oral health; provides fluoride therapy by applying re-mineralising solutions and desensitising agents; removes deposits from teeth.

• Works indoors usually at private dental laboratories or school dentist facilities.
• Works in adequately heated, well ventilated and lit workspaces.

• Light physical demand level. Frequently stands or sits at workbenches.
• Also walks about the workspace to gather equipment or materials and to move from work area to patient.
• May occasionally sit when studying or updating dental records.
• Stretching and/or twisting movements are not significant features of the job.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying is not a significant feature of the job.
• Bending over workbenches and patients is likely to be a frequent to constant requirement.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling are not significant features of the job
• Repetitive hand and arm movements are necessary for many dental procedures.
• Driving may be required if working over a number of community dental practices. However, driving is not a significant requirement of the job.
• Employees use a range of precision technical and specialised workshop equipment and materials.
• Mental skills necessary include technical, model-making, problem-solving and planning.

• An NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.