As a Dental Officer in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The role of a Dental Officer is primarily to provide general dental clinical services to military personnel. However, the comprehensive training you will receive as an Officer will allow you to lead teams of at least 30 people, in all kinds of situations. You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training.

Responsibilities

• Effective provision of quality dental practice contributing to the provision of efficient and effective dental health services to patients in the region of employment.
• To provide clinical supervision and instruction to any assigned dental auxiliary staff.

Duties

• Delivery of clinical care to patients requiring dental services.
• Maintain a high standard of professional care in accordance with the NZDA Code of Ethics, statutory and regulatory requirements and Defence Dental Service policies and any subsequent amendments thereto.
• Take professional care of and assume clinical responsibility for patients assigned for treatment.
• Deliver care in a sensitive fashion and to recognize patient rights.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and up to date records in accordance with Defence Dental Service procedures.

Person specification

In addition to meeting the specific duties and responsibilities of the listed duties the individual is expected to possess the following skills and attributes:

• A commitment to practise quality dentistry and continually update clinical skills and treatment methods.
• Administrative experience, with the ability to organise a diverse workload to meet deadlines as required.
• Proven ability to work both collectively and independently.;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to liaise confidently and professionally with a wide range of people, both individually and collectively.
• Excellent oral communication skills with a proven record of customer service skills
• Proven ability to be proactive and actively seek opportunities to improve work procedures and processes.
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to manage effectively with changing priorities.
• Computer literacy, particularly in the use of Microsoft Office 97, word processing and database applications, together with good keyboard skills.
• The ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Be of a reliable nature with a good sense of time management.

Qualifications

A Dentist registered with the Dental Council of NZ (or in final year of dental studies)

Personal qualities required

• A commitment to practice quality dentistry
• A commitment to continually update clinical skills and treatment methods.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with all patients and staff.An ability to work effectively within multi disciplinary teams.
• An affinity with an outdoor environment.
• An ability to conform to military procedures and standards.
• A commitment to maintain physical fitness.

Your Recruiting Officer will require an up to date CV for a pre-selection process conducted by a senior NZ Army Dental Officer, to ensure your current technical skills and qualifications meet our needs. 

Applicants who successfully complete the pre-selection process will be invited to attend a four day Officer Selection Board (OSB), an 'assessment centre', convened at Trentham Camp, Upper Hutt, three times a year. The purpose of the OSB is to assess your leadership ability and potential along with your suitability to become a Commissioned Officer in the NZ Army. (You are not being assessed on your professional specialist skills during the OSB.)

Your Recruiting Officer will keep you informed throughout the selection process and, if you are selected to attend the OSB, they will provide you with all of the relevant information and organise your travel to and from Trentham.

Applications

Applicants wishing to apply for a Dental Officer position are to apply in writing supported by a current Curriculum Vitae and should be forwarded to your local Recruiting Office.
All applications will be treated in strict confidence and place the applicant under no obligation.