Dentist – Ngaio Niho
“From the day I started as a dental cadet in 2010 it has always been super interesting and fascinating for me. The thing I love the most is giving people their smile back.”
– Te Waikapoata Hera Tamati, Dentist
About the Career
Dentists study and treat diseases, injuries and problems of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw. They also educate patients on how to avoid oral health problems.
A career in oral health can be challenging yet is very rewarding. There is a national need for Māori dentists and Oral Health practitioners. Māori dentists and oral health practitioners are very important to inform and contribute to positive outcomes for Māori oral healthcare.
There are multiple roles within the wider oral health workforce. These include Dentists, Oral Health Therapists, Dental Technicians, Dental Assistants, Oral Health Promoters and supportive administrators.
Qualities you need
- excellent communication and to be able to relate to a wide range of people
- empathy and rapport building with patients based on trust
- ethical behaviour and cultural awareness
- to be able to work well under pressure
- to be good at problem solving and decision making
- good eyesight, hand-eye co-ordination, accuracy, with an eye for detail
- to be willing to continue learning and keep up to date
Career Pathway
Find out more about Dentist careers here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/dentist/
Find out more about Oral Health Therapy careers here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/oral-health-therapist/
Dental
Dental workers specialise in the health of the mouth, teeth and gums. Dental worker usually work in a team environment so there is a large amount of interaction with patients and co-workers. There are many dental workers that make up an effective dental health team. These include: dentists, dental technicians, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.
Dental positions
Study and treat diseases, injuries and problems of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw. They also give patients information on keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Find out more: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/dentist/
Our Whānau Career Story
Te Waikapoata Hera Tamati – Dentist
Where do I work and what do I do?
General Dentist, Whare Niho – Waitara Dental
What was my career pathway to get where I am / and what led me to this?
I was given a job opportunity with the Māori Health Unit at Taranaki DHB in 2010 to work as a dental assistant. This sparked my interest in the field of dentistry. I worked alongside a number of dental professionals throughout the Taranaki District. This inspired me to head to Otago university to study a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH). Throughout my study I was always interested in continuing my dental studies and after the completion of my BOH degree I went on to sitting HSFY.
In 2016 I began 2nd year dentistry and successfully completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2019. I have now been practicing as a dentist for the past three years in the Waitara medical centre and at Taylor dental as a general dentist.
“My why” for doing this job and making a difference for Māori
From the day I started as a dental cadet in 2010 it has always been super interesting and fascinating for me. The thing I love the most is giving people their smile back. Teeth are the first thing you notice when you talk or interact with people. It is what gives people confidence and improves their quality of life. Additionally, patients who present in pain and solving this for them and bringing great relief is another huge part in why I love dentistry.
As Māori we suffer the worst oral health outcomes compared with any other ethnic group. On an individual level the difference I can make is being relatable, building trusting relationships and having a non-judgemental approach to Māori whānau. On a broader level with my social media platforms is educating and empowering Māori to take control of their oral health with the basics. Often Māori do not attend the dentist unless a tooth is causing them grief.
Normalising general dental check-ups and dental hygiene cleans is my main focus as I preventing dental problems is very cost effective and prevents traumatic dental experiences.
