Grade1 Dental Assistant
Employment Type: Temporary Full and Part Time until January 2028
Position Classification: Dental Assist Grade 1
Remuneration: $35.97 - $38.43 Per Hour + Super
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ702997
Location: Newcastle Community Health Service
Closing date: Sunday 08 November 2026
Love helping people smile? Turn your passion into a rewarding career with Hunter New England Oral Health!
Join our growing Dental team across Newcastle and the Hunter, where your skills will make a real difference to the oral health and wellbeing of our community. Enjoy a supportive, inclusive workplace with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. Ready to make a difference, one smile at a time? Apply today and join a team that cares!
About the Team
We are currently seeking experienced Dental Assistants to join our growing team across multiple clinic locations throughout the Newcastle and Hunter region. Clinic hours vary slightly by location, operating from either 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
You will be working as part of a supportive and professional team that includes Dentists, Oral Health Therapists, Dental Prosthetists, and fellow Dental Assistants. Together, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality oral health care to our community.
Our mission is to provide outstanding patient care while celebrating the cultural diversity of our team. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all staff feel valued, empowered, and supported to thrive both professionally and personally.
About the Role
As a Dental Assistant, you will play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of our busy clinics. Reporting to the Clinic Coordinator, you will be responsible for a mix of clinical and administrative duties, supporting the delivery of high-quality dental care. Your role will involve assisting the dental team during procedures, maintaining a clean and organised environment, and ensuring patients receive a seamless and positive experience from start to finish.
You will be supported from day one with a comprehensive orientation program to Hunter New England Oral Health, along with access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities throughout your career.
About you
To succeed in this role, you will:
- Bring a positive attitude and a genuine passion for delivering excellent dental care.
- Have strong competencies in assisting with a wide range of oral health procedures, along with a solid understanding of infection control protocols.
- Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal, combined with the ability to work efficiently in a team environment
We welcome candidates who hold a current Dental Assisting Certificate (up to Certificate III) recognised by the Dental Assistant Education Council of Australia. We also encourage applications from experienced dental assistants who may not yet hold formal qualifications.
How to apply:
Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
Current Dental Assistant Certificate recognised by the Dental Assistant Education Council of Australia up to the level of Certificate 3 and or unqualified but experienced dental assistant.
Demonstrated understanding of infection control principles
Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting
Why join Hunter New England Health?
- Be part of one of the largest and most diverse Local Health Districts in NSW
- Influence digital solutions that directly support patient care and clinical outcomes
- Salary packaging options
- Work collaboratively with passionate clinicians and digital health professionals
- Enjoy career development opportunities within NSW Health
- Make a real difference across a large, complex health service
- Fitness Passport for you and your family
What you'll be doing
Assist in the facilitation of efficient delivery of dental services and operations of the Dental Unit by providing clinical and administrative assistance and support.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Hayley Baker on hayley.baker1@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact hnelhd-diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
Casual opportunities may be available for recommended applicants
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