Careers & Training
There are several study pathways in Aotearoa for those interested in a career in oral health. These programmes lead to roles within Māori Oral Health Providers and the wider oral health workforce.
Careers in Māori Oral Health
Working for a Māori Oral Health Provider is more than a job - it is an opportunity to support whānau wellbeing, strengthen communities, and contribute to improving oral health outcomes for Māori across Aotearoa.
Our providers deliver services grounded in kaupapa Māori values such as whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga. Care is relationship-based, community-focused, and responsive to the needs of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.
Whether you are Māori or non-Māori, experienced or just beginning your journey, there are many ways to contribute to this important workforce.
Working for a Māori Oral Health Provider
Hear directly from experienced clinicians about what makes this work unique and rewarding.
Barb and Jane share their personal journeys working for Te Manu Toroa and what it means to provide whānau-centred oral health care in a Māori provider setting.
Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) – University of Otago
Prepares graduates as oral health therapists who provide assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and preventive care within their scope of practice.
Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health) – Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Prepares graduates for registration as oral health therapists with the Dental Council of New Zealand. Students learn to provide assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and preventive oral health care within a kaupapa-informed, community-oriented environment.
Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) – University of Otago
A degree focused on the design and fabrication of dental appliances including dentures, crowns, and orthodontic devices.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) – University of Otago
Trains dentists to provide diagnosis, treatment, preventive care, and restorative dental services. Graduates are eligible to register with the Dental Council of New Zealand as dentists.
Study Pathways in Aotearoa
More Information & Scholarship
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are available from a range of organisations to support students entering health and oral health programmes. These may help with course fees, living costs, equipment, or other study-related expenses.
Te Whatu Ora – Māori health scholarships
University of Auckland scholarships
University of Otago scholarships
More information
Oral health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and there is growing demand for trained professionals across Aotearoa. Whether you're thinking about beginning study or changing career pathways, there are a range of roles available in community, hospital, and private practice settings.
Workforce Development & Career Pathways
Kia Ora Hauora – Māori Health as a Career Programme
A national workforce development programme supporting Māori to enter health careers.
Voluntary Bonding Scheme
Māori Oral Health Providers are part of Health Workforce New Zealand’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme. Eligible graduates may receive after-tax payments when working in hard-to-staff professions or communities.
BDS Graduates
• $30,000 after completing three years of service
• $10,000 after year four
• $10,000 after year five
Oral Health Therapists
• $11,796 after completing three years of service
• $3,932 after year four
• $3,932 after year five
Shannel Yorke
Oral Health Therapist - Te Manu Toroa
“I wanted to work somewhere I could make a real difference.”
Shannel Yorke chose to work for a Māori Oral Health Provider because she was drawn to the opportunity to provide meaningful, community-focused care in a high-needs area.
At Te Manu Toroa, Shannel supports whānau through culturally grounded, relationship-based care - building trust and helping reduce barriers to accessing oral health services.
“You’re not just treating teeth - you’re supporting people and their wellbeing.”
She values the supportive team environment, the diversity of work across clinics, schools, and community settings, and the opportunity to grow professionally while making a positive impact.
As an early-career clinician, Shannel is also part of the Voluntary Bonding Programme, which supports practitioners working in hard-to-staff communities.
For Shannel, the most rewarding part of her role is seeing tamariki gain confidence and whānau feel safe accessing care.
Stay Connected
Te Rōpū Niho Ora
Peak body for the Māori Oral Health Provider sector.
Contact
021 263 1385
admin@maorioralhealth.org.nz
Connect
Charitable Trust
Te Rōpū Hauora Māori ā Niho o Aotearoa Incorporated
Charity Registration number CC61640