Support the delivery of safe, high-quality dental care in a collaborative clinical environment
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Dental Assistant Grade 1
Remuneration: $68,591 – $73,274 per annum
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ652977
Location: Tamworth
Application Close Date: Sunday 19th April 2026
An opportunity is available for a Dental Assistant to join the Oral Health Service in Tamworth, providing essential clinical and administrative support to ensure the efficient delivery of dental services. You will be part of a supportive team focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a safe and professional environment.
What You'll Be Doing:
The Dental Assistant is responsible for providing efficient and effective clinical and administrative support to Oral Health clinicians to facilitate the delivery of safe, high-quality dental care. The role operates within established policies, procedures, and infection prevention and control standards.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
* Providing chairside assistance across a broad range of dental procedures in accordance with clinical and patient safety standards
* Preparing and maintaining clinical environments in line with infection prevention and control protocols
* Ensuring the availability, sterilisation, and maintenance of instruments, materials, and equipment
The position also undertakes administrative functions to support patient access and service delivery, including appointment scheduling, maintenance of patient records, and reception duties as required. The Dental Assistant contributes to a positive patient experience through the provision of courteous, professional, and culturally appropriate care.
Additional responsibilities include:
* Monitoring stock levels and maintaining appropriate inventory control
* Reporting equipment faults and maintenance requirements in a timely manner
* Supporting efficient clinic operations within a multidisciplinary team environment
About You
You are a motivated and reliable Dental Assistant who is committed to delivering safe, high-quality care. You work well within a team environment and demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a professional approach to patient care.
Essential Criteria
* Certificate III in Dental Assisting (or equivalent) recognised by the Dental Assistant Education Council of Australia, or relevant experience as a dental assistant
* Demonstrated competency in assisting with a range of oral health procedures
* Sound understanding of infection prevention and control principles
* Ability to work effectively within a team environment
* Well-developed verbal and written communication skills
* Understanding of confidentiality and patient privacy requirements
* Ability to use computer systems and software applications relevant to the role
What We Offer:
* Family-friendly clinic hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm
* 1 Allocated Day Off (ADO) per month for full-time employees
* A structured orientation program with regular probation review discussions
* Ongoing support from a skilled and experienced team
* Opportunities to develop and grow your dental skills
New to the dental industry? We welcome applicants who are eager to learn—our team is committed to supporting your professional development.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description
Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Hayley Baker on
Our Commitment
All staff are expected to act in accordance with NSW Health Core Values and the HNE Health Values Charter, demonstrating a commitment to patient safety, cultural respect, and excellence in care. Staff are required to comply with workplace health and safety policies and procedures and take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
* 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.
* An eligibility list will be created for future permanent part time and temporary part time vacancies. Job share / 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.
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 or 1300 40 25 23.
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 for confidential support.
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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