Receives and prepares patients; arranges and handles instruments, medication, and other dental requisites to dental practitioners; prepares dental materials and processing x-rays; using suction devices and water sprays; performs routine maintenance on equipment; sterilises and prevents cross infection of equipment; may advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures; may act as receptionist for dental practitioners; may perform billing and other clerical tasks.

• Works indoors in dental clinics, attached to schools, hospitals and private practices.
• Works directly with members of the public.
• Employees will usually work in adequately heated and ventilated spaces.
• Work spaces will be clean and well-maintained and set-up to ensure that hygiene and sterilisation processes of equipment is routinely carried out.
• Employees wear protective clothing, facial masks and gloves to avoid infection.

• The physical demand level is sedentary to light.
• Standing is frequently required at the chair-side.
• Walking is frequently required about the workspace to sterilise and gather equipment.
• Sitting is occasionally required at an office desk to update records or to talk with patients.
• Stretching and/or twisting movements are not a significant requirement of the job.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying is not required above a light physical demand level.
• Squatting or crouching movements are not generally required.
• Bending movements are occasionally to frequently required to carry out examinations and perform dental procedures.
• Repetitive hand and finger movements are frequently required for many dental procedures.
• Driving is not required.
• There will be use of office including a specialised chair with attached air or electrically driven drills, manual dental tools, sterilisation, x-ray, injecting equipment and needles. There may also be a requirement to use mirrors. Dental equipment will also be used frequently to constantly.
• Mental skills include technical, diagnostic, problem-solving and communication skills.

• A New Zealand Register Level 5 or 6 qualification or at least three years relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing is required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.