Principal Dentist

Why This Role Matters

Principal Dentists provide leadership within public oral health services while also delivering advanced clinical care. They guide dental teams, improve service delivery, and ensure that high-quality oral healthcare is provided to communities in a safe, efficient, and patient-centered manner.

Job Description

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service is seeking a Principal Dentist to join the Oral Health team in Nambour. This senior leadership role combines clinical dentistry with administrative responsibilities, contributing to the strategic and operational performance of the oral health service.

Key Features of the Role

• Position: Principal Dentist
• Organisation: Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
• Location: Nambour
• Industry: Dental / Healthcare & Medical
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Salary: Up to $207,702 per year

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and direction to oral health teams
• Deliver high-quality general oral health services to eligible public patients
• Allocate approximately 60% of time to clinical patient care
• Oversee clinical governance including waiting lists and referrals
• Monitor and achieve operational, performance, and financial targets
• Mentor and supervise dental staff and students
• Collaborate with oral health managers to improve service delivery
• Ensure compliance with safety and clinical standards

Required Qualification

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent dental degree
• Registration with Dental Board of Australia through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Important Requirements

• Extensive clinical experience in dentistry
• Leadership and people management skills
• Ability to supervise and mentor dental professionals
• Strong decision-making and organisational skills
• Experience with public oral health service delivery (preferred)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package with annual increases
• Employer superannuation contribution up to 12.75%
• Salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Career development and training opportunities

Employee Benefits

• Wellness and employee support programs
• Strong work-life balance
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture
• Opportunities to work across a major regional health service

Experience and Skills

• Advanced general dentistry skills
• Clinical leadership and team management
• Mentoring and supervision of dental staff
• Operational and financial management
• Patient care and treatment planning
• Public health service delivery

Salary Insights

• Salary: $176,619 – $182,041 per year
• Total remuneration package: Up to $207,702 including superannuation and leave loading

Organisation Overview

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service operates across the Sunshine Coast region, extending from Caloundra in the south to Gympie in the north. The health service provides a wide range of healthcare services and is committed to delivering high-quality patient care while promoting diversity, respect, and community wellbeing.

FAQs

1. What is the main responsibility of the Principal Dentist?
   The role combines clinical dentistry with leadership responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing service performance.

2. How much clinical work is involved?
   Approximately 60% of the role involves direct patient care.

3. What salary is offered for this position?
   The remuneration package can reach up to $207,702 annually including benefits.

4. Is this a public sector position?
   Yes, the role is part of the Queensland public health system.

Application Tips

• Highlight leadership and clinical experience in dentistry
• Demonstrate experience managing teams or mentoring staff
• Include details of public health or community dental service experience
• Emphasise strong organisational and communication skills