Looking for a dental job in Canterbury, New Zealand?
Discover rewarding career opportunities in one of the South Island’s most diverse and vibrant regions.
Canterbury offers an excellent balance of professional growth and lifestyle, featuring stunning landscapes from the city of Christchurch to nearby mountains and plains. Known for its strong agricultural base and expanding urban centres, the region has a growing demand for skilled dental professionals supported by a well-established healthcare system.
Whether you’re interested in working in the lively urban environment of Christchurch or in surrounding towns like Ashburton and Rangiora, Canterbury provides the perfect setting for dentists to thrive—both professionally and personally. Enjoy a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling.
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Talk to our expert recruitment team on +61 (2) 9099 5774 or email us at [email protected]
Our Frequently Asked Questions section has the answers to all your questions about life as a Dentist in New Zealand.
J466308 Rangiora
Canterbury NZD130K
- NZD250K / Year
Step into your next dental role in Rangiora, Christchurch-where community care meets career growth in a stunning South Island setting! Are you a skilled dentis...
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering applying for one of our dental jobs in Canterbury, here are some common questions:
How much does a Full-Time Dentist make in Canterbury?
The Canterbury region offers competitive salaries for dentists, backed by growing demand for dental services across both urban centres and rural communities. Key points about dentist salaries in Canterbury include:
Competitive Earnings: Dentists in Canterbury typically earn between NZD $140,000 and $170,000 per year, reflecting the region’s steady population growth and strong economy.
Diverse Opportunities: From busy clinics in Christchurch to practices in smaller towns like Ashburton, Rangiora, and Timaru, there are plenty of opportunities for dentists at all career stages.
Growing Demand: Canterbury’s diverse and expanding population continues to drive strong demand for dental services, supporting stable salary growth and long-term career prospects.
Private and Public Sector: Salaries vary depending on whether dentists work in private practices, community clinics, or public health services, with private practice roles often offering higher earning potential.
Work-Life Balance: Alongside competitive pay, Canterbury provides an excellent lifestyle with beautiful natural surroundings, outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Overall, Canterbury is a highly attractive region for dentists seeking professional growth while enjoying a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Are my Dental qualifications eligible in New Zealand?
If you hold a dental degree from the UK, it is generally recognised by the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ), which is responsible for assessing overseas dental qualifications.
You will need to undergo a registration and competency assessment process, which is managed by the DCNZ.
More information about eligible international dental qualifications and the registration process is available on the Dental Council of New Zealand website.
Highest paying areas for Dentists in Canterbury
The highest-paying areas for dentists in the Canterbury region include key urban centres as well as growing suburban and rural communities where demand for dental services is strong. Some of the main areas include:
- Christchurch: As Canterbury’s largest city and main commercial hub, Christchurch offers competitive salaries for dentists, typically ranging from NZD $140,000 to $175,000 per year.
- Rangiora: This rapidly growing town north of Christchurch provides excellent opportunities for dentists, with salaries often reaching between NZD $140,000 and $170,000, reflecting strong local demand.
- Ashburton: Serving a diverse and expanding population, dentists in Ashburton can earn competitive salaries generally in the range of NZD $130,000 to $160,000 annually.
- Timaru: Known for its regional significance and community spirit, Timaru offers opportunities for dentists with salaries typically between NZD $130,000 and $160,000, supported by consistent demand.
- Selwyn District (e.g., Rolleston, Lincoln): These growing semi-rural communities present attractive opportunities and potential salary incentives, with earnings ranging from NZD $140,000 to $175,000, driven by increasing demand for dental care.
These areas typically offer competitive salaries due to strong demand for skilled dental professionals across Canterbury’s expanding urban, suburban, and rural communities, along with incentives to attract dentists to developing regions outside the main city.
Where can I find more information for Dentists moving to New Zealand?
If you are a dentist in the UK considering a move to New Zealand, Prospect Health Recruitment has all the information you need to build a successful and rewarding career overseas.
Contact our specialist team for guidance on research and planning, eligibility and qualifications, registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand, and much more.
Call us on 01423 813 455 or send us an email for a no obligation chat on [email protected]