Dental/Oral Health Therapist

Why This Role Matters

Dental/Oral Health Therapists are vital for improving oral health outcomes in both clinical and community settings. This role ensures patient-centered, high-quality care while contributing to public and community health programs. Therapists in this position have the opportunity to impact communities, promote preventive care, and support integrated health initiatives.

Job Description

The Department of Health (Northern Territory) is recruiting AHPRA-registered Dental Therapists or Oral Health Therapists for ongoing (permanent) full-time positions across Darwin, Katherine, and Palmerston. Successful candidates will deliver preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare while promoting community oral health and engaging in professional development activities.

Key Features of the Role

• Position: Dental/Oral Health Therapist
• Organization: Department of Health, Northern Territory
• Vacancies: Several
• Location: Darwin, Katherine, Palmerston, NT
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Salary Range: $109,860 – $130,643 (including base salary $92,910 – $110,781)
• Closing Date: 26-03-2026

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality dental therapy and oral health services in both clinical and community settings
• Conduct preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for patients of all ages
• Participate in community oral health programs and education initiatives
• Develop integrated care plans and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Uphold professional ethics, cultural safety, and patient-centered care principles
• Engage in continuous professional learning and skills development
• Support a geographically diverse and culturally respectful workplace

Required Qualification

• Dental Therapist or Oral Health Therapist qualification
• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Experience and Skills

• Strong patient-centered clinical skills
• Interest in community and public health dentistry
• Ability to work across multiple clinical and community settings
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Culturally respectful and responsive practice
• Effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills

Important Remarks

• Aboriginal applicants will receive priority consideration
• Full-time, permanent positions
• Opportunity to work across multiple sites and diverse communities

About the Organization

The Department of Health, Northern Territory (NT Health) is the primary public health authority in the Northern Territory, providing comprehensive health services across urban, regional, and remote communities. NT Health operates hospitals, community health centers, and public health programs to improve the wellbeing of the Territory’s population. The organization emphasizes:

• Integrated Care: Collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches to healthcare delivery

• Cultural Safety: Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural diversity

• Community Focus: Promoting health education, preventive care, and accessible services

• Professional Development: Supporting staff through mentoring, training, and career pathways

• Innovation: Implementing evidence-based practices and modern healthcare technologies

By joining NT Health, Dental/Oral Health Therapists become part of a committed team delivering impactful, patient-focused services in a supportive and culturally aware environment.

Application Tips

1. Highlight Registration: Clearly mention AHPRA registration in your CV and application.

2. Demonstrate Community Interest: Emphasize any experience or interest in community or public health dentistry.

3. Show Flexibility: Mention willingness to work across different clinical sites and remote locations.

4. Cultural Competence: Highlight experiences or training in culturally safe practice, especially with Aboriginal communities.

5. Professional Growth: Include evidence of continuous learning, workshops, or professional development.

6. Tailor Cover Letter: Align your cover letter with patient-centered care, teamwork, and community service values.

7. Documents: Ensure all qualifications, registration, and professional certificates are current and attached.