Senior Dental Assistant (517236L2)
The Team
Oral Health Services Tasmania (OHST) is a division of the Tasmania Department of Health that provides public dental care services to eligible Tasmanians. Its primary goal is to improve oral health outcomes across the state, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
OHST is a team of approximately 300 people including dentists, oral health therapists, dental prosthetists, technicians, dental assistants and administrative staff. Care is provided from 33 clinics around Tasmania. Adult services are predominantly provided from 6 major centres located in Hobart (New Town), Clarence, Glenorchy, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie as well as the 3 Special Care dental Units (located within hospital precincts). Child and Adolescent Services are provided predominantly from 23 community clinics which are either located in a community health centre or are a stand-alone clinic.
The Role
The Senior Dental Assistant is responsible for:
- Working closely with the Regional Management Team to ensure clinical support is provided by Dental Assistants in a professional, effective and efficient manner.
- Coordinating, directing and supporting Dental Assistants, Sterilisation Technicians and Trainee Dental Assistants within Oral Health Services Tasmania (OHST).
- Acting as the first point of contact for staff in relation to Dental Assistants, Sterilisation Technicians and Trainee Dental Assistants and providing a clear liaison role between the different professional groups within OHST.
You will need
- Demonstrated high-level experience in, and knowledge of, the clinical role of the Dental Assistant including procedures and current infection control practices.
- Demonstrated understanding and experience in the provision of chairside assistance for complex clinical dental procedures including the ability to identify training needs and provide training to other Dental Assistants.
- An understanding of a public health approach to the provision of oral health services and knowledge of OHST policies and procedures, including the ability to apply this knowledge to resolve operational issues.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Details of appointment
Permanent, full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.
AND
Fixed term, full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing in September 2026 until 30 June 2027.
*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Salary
$85,196 to $97,915 per annum + our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2025
Salary Packaging
You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Benefits available to eligible candidates
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
- Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent qualification
- Current Working with Children Registration
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
- Current Driver’s Licence
- Current First Aid Certificate Level I
- Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
Position Features: Some intrastate travel will be required
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1–2-page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Kristin Clark
Position: Business Operations Support Officer
Phone number: (03) 6777 1074
Email address: kristin.clark@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.