First Year Dental House Officer

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

First Year Dental House Officer (2026 RMO Training Year)

Start date: 5 January 2026

This position is part of RMO Annual Recruitment Cycle, current vacancies are advertised separately.

About the Role

Palmerston North Hospital has preschool, school, adolescent, and hospital dental services. A number of these services are also offered in community and school dental services.

 What MidCentral has to offer:

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow.
• A professional and supportive team.
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options.
• Tailored wellness programmes.

Visit our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

Benefits

• 10 days of sick leave per year.

• 6 weeks annual leave from appointment.

• Free meals while on duty over a meal break.

About us

Palmerston North Regional Hospital is the premier healthcare institution in the MidCentral Region. With a dedicated Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and Regional Cancer Treatment Service, as well as one of the largest trauma centres nationwide, Palmerston North Hospital provides industry leading specialised care and emergency treatment to the MidCentral region.

Our region includes Manawatu, Horowhenua, and Otaki districts on the western coast to the Tararua district on the eastern coast. With a capacity of over 380 beds, we provide secondary care to an urban population of 81,000 and over 200,000 in the catchment area. As a teaching hospital affiliated with New Zealand medical schools, we unite exceptional healthcare practice with modern education and research. MidCentral is an excellent place to begin or continue your professional career in an engaging and supportive environment.

MidCentral region is ideally situated for all lifestyles – Striking scenery with multiple hiking & biking tracks with beaches, ski fields and wineries close by as well as excellent schools and tertiary institutions. The perfect blend of rural and city living.

About you 
 Completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree

• Eligible for registration with the New Zealand Dental Council
• Dedicated and a collaborator.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | The Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

In the interests of protecting our people and our patients, all appointments will be subject to:

• Occupational Health Assessment
•  Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences. (Police Vetting)

How to apply

Click “APPLY NOW.” 

For further information about this role please reach out to:

Lindy Chivell - RMO Recruiter   

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz).