Dental Careers
Live and work in New Zealand
Always dreamed
of living abroad?
With political tensions rising around the globe, immigrating to New Zealand offers a welcome respite from the worries of the world.
We’re a small country in the South Pacific dedicated to staying out of the political fray while enjoying a great work/life balance. There’s so much that’s wonderful about moving to New Zealand:
A safe, beautiful environment, ideal for raising children
Access to excellent free healthcare
A government run by the people for the people, working to enrich the lives of Kiwis
As opposed to special interest lobby groups.
A fair and reasonable taxation system
All while living amongst easy-going, upbeat people in one of the most spectacular locations in the world!
A first-class education system
New Zealand Dentistry
Overview
Working as a dentist in New Zealand
There are plenty of dental jobs available in New Zealand. If you’re a US, Canadian, German or British trained dentist, obtaining a license to practice dentistry in New Zealand is fairly easy too. However it can be a time-consuming task, so we recommend that all enquiring dentists start the process with DCNZ (Dental Council of New Zealand) first to get the ball rolling. It doesn’t cost anything to begin the process of getting all of your documentation together.
You can now submit all of your documentation online to assess if you have everything Dental Council requires, and fill in any holes necessary to satisfy their requirements. Some of the paperwork Dental Council will require includes a certified copy of your diploma from dental school, transcripts sent directly from your dental school, and a Police check or FBI report (if you’re from the US).
For more information on what’s required:
There is an exam you must take – however, it is an open book essay-style exam concerning the Māori culture of native New Zealanders.
Working for Kowhai Dental in Whangarei, New Zealand
In order to qualify for a work visa, you must initially work as an employee for a period of time before you can become an independent contractor and enjoy the tax benefits of doing so. As an employee, you are paid 35% of your turnover, less GST (Goods and Services Tax) and lab/shipping fees, and includes four weeks of paid annual leave.
As an independent contractor, you’re paid 40% of turnover, which includes GST that you pay directly to the IRD (Inland Revenue Department), less lab/shipping fees. It’s entirely feasible to earn NZ$200,000+ in your first year.
Potential first year income
$200K+
Dr. Jeff Joy – Dentist and Founder
My NZ story
My family and I moved from Southern California to New Zealand in 2007 under the Skilled Migrant category, which meant I had a skill to offer that New Zealand was in need of. I’d had enough of dental insurance, unfair taxes, and fear of lawsuits, just to name a few. So, we decided it was time to move out of the US. I had previously heard great things about New Zealand but had no idea of just how good it really was until we moved here.
Our kids were four and seven when we came, and we were excited to provide them with a safe, carefree and fun-filled childhood like we had. The education system is fabulous, and we didn’t have to worry about gun violence at school. They could walk safely anywhere (usually in bare feet as is the custom in NZ) and spend their days outside enjoying what is called here, “The Winterless North”. We have so many beautiful parks, forests, bush hikes, and beaches it’s hard to choose which one to go to!
If you’re thinking about making the move too, you’re probably comparing your income from what you currently make to what you believe you could make here in New Zealand. But it’s important to understand that New Zealand offers a way to enjoy life, as opposed to working too many hours just to pay off debt, wondering what you’re doing it all for.
If you want to make the same income as you do in your current position, you can in New Zealand if you want to work that hard and sacrifice every waking hour towards earning money. I know where you’re coming from because I was just like that. Now that I’m here, I wondered what took me so long to realise that working like that is no way to live my life. The typical Kiwi (NZ resident) works just enough to live comfortably, as opposed to living to work.
That being said, I’ve actually exceeded my former California income through dentistry, real estate investments and other investment schemes.
We live in Whangarei, which is in Northland, in the north of the North Island. Whangarei is a town with a population of around 52,600, with a total Northland population of around 179,100.
The population demographics are comprised of about 20% affluent, 20% retirees, 20% blue collar, 20% white collar and 20% lower income. There are about 25 private dentists in our area, and 10 or so that work in the hospital servicing emergencies and teenagers.
Making the move to New Zealand is life changing
We recommend that you get advice from a licensed immigration adviser, as immigration policy can change frequently and licensed advisers help minimise your risks.
Immigration advice
We work with immigration adviser, Sean Haggerty at Become a Kiwi, who is happy to discuss your options and assist you with your visa enquiries and application.
Here’s some basic information to get you started:
Dentists are on the Green List of occupations that qualify for a Straight-to-Resident Visa (applicants aged up to 55 years).
Learn more →If you are undecided about applying for residency or do not meet the Straight-to-Resident Visa eligibility criteria, the Accredited Employer Work Visa allows for working in New Zealand for up to 5 years.
Learn more →Immediate family can be included with your application.
Police and medical checks will be required.
The Dental Council of New Zealand (dcnz.org.nz) requires you to:
Be registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Register here →
Obtain an annual practising certificate.
Apply here →
In New Zealand, you can have any life you want.
The choice is yours!
SOME HELPFUL LINKS
For more great information and advice on making your dream to move to New Zealand come true, go to:
Discover the stunning vistas of Northland, New Zealand captured by drone
Video courtesy of Man and Drone.
Explore the vibrant Whangarei district and why you’ll “love it here!”
Video courtesy of Whangarei NZ.
New Zealand
General information
Here you’ll find a selection of great links that’ll help give you an insight into the facts and stats that make up the Northland and New Zealand communities.