The Dental Act in New Zealand allows dentists to employ any suitably qualified persons for a limited range of reversible procedures which includes the removal of deposits from teeth. This work does not permit the use of local anaesthetics and should not include root planning. However, a number of New Zealand dentists employ overseas trained hygienists to work under this section of the Dental Act. This is relatively new to the New Zealand scene and dentists have been somewhat slow to take up the opportunities afforded for employment of dental auxiliaries. Persons working in this way under Section 11 of the Dental Act need no license or registration.

There seems to be two major ways of seeking employment here in New Zealand. The first is to advertise in the NZDA News or a local branch magazine of your availability and seek contact with an appropriate dentist in New Zealand. The cost of advertising in the NZDA News, which comes out every two months to all dentists in New Zealand, is NZD$54.

The second way that seems to be favoured by many is to come to New Zealand on a temporary working holiday and find some employment on a temporary basis or make contact with dentists and then use that person to sponsor you into the country.

The President of the Dental Hygienist Association is:

Leslea Stapleton
President NZDHA
585 Riddell Rd,
St Heliers,
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND