Dental Assistant - Grade 1

Join us in delivering compassionate care to our community.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time & Part Time until December 2026
Position Classification: Dental Assistant Grade 1
Remuneration: $33.26 - $35.53 per hour + superannuation 
Requisition ID: REQ611381
Location: Newcastle & Hunter Region 
Applications Close: Thursday 23rd October 2025

Where you'll be working 
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.

What you'll be doing 
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.

About you
To succeed in this role, you will bring a positive attitude and a genuine passion for delivering excellent dental care. You should have strong competencies in assisting with a wide range of oral health procedures, along with a solid understanding of infection control protocols.
Your well-developed communication skills—both written and verbal—combined with the ability to work efficiently in a team environment, will be essential to your success.
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.
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.

Requirements 

• 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.

What we can offer you
At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day: 

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Work life balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

 

Additional Information 

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
• This position is full time; however, part time arrangements will be considered.
• 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. 
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered 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.   

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

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.  
 
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