Looking for a dental job in Christchurch, New Zealand?
Discover exciting and rewarding career opportunities in one of New Zealand’s largest and most rapidly evolving cities.
Christchurch offers an ideal blend of professional growth and lifestyle, with its modern infrastructure, diverse communities, and thriving healthcare sector. As the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch continues to grow steadily, creating strong demand for skilled dental professionals in both urban and suburban settings.
Whether you’re looking to work in the revitalized city centre or in surrounding suburbs like Riccarton, Halswell, or Rangiora, Christchurch provides a dynamic environment where dentists can thrive. Enjoy access to excellent schools, a welcoming community, and a lifestyle enriched by nearby beaches, parks, and the Southern Alps—perfect for skiing, hiking, and weekend adventures.
Christchurch is a top choice for dentists seeking meaningful career opportunities in a vibrant, forward-looking city that also offers the space and freedom to enjoy life outside of work.
Get in Touch
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering applying for one of our dental jobs in Christchurch, here are some common questions:
How much does a Full-Time Dentist make in Christchurch?
Christchurch offers competitive salaries for dentists, supported by strong population growth and consistent demand for dental services across the Canterbury region. Key insights into dentist salaries and career opportunities in Christchurch include:
Competitive Earnings: Dentists in Christchurch typically earn between NZD $140,000 and $180,000 per year, reflecting the city’s expanding population, ongoing urban development, and established healthcare infrastructure.
Diverse Opportunities: From modern dental practices in the CBD to clinics in fast-growing suburbs like Halswell, Papanui, and Rolleston, Christchurch provides a wide range of roles for dentists at all career stages. There are also opportunities in regional towns such as Ashburton, Rangiora, and Timaru.
Consistent Demand: Christchurch’s growth as a major metropolitan and educational centre fuels ongoing demand for dental care across all age groups—ensuring reliable job security and opportunities for career progression.
Public and Private Sector Roles: Dentists can find roles in private clinics, community dental services, or public health settings through the Canterbury District Health Board. Private roles often offer higher earning potential, while public sector roles may offer flexibility and varied clinical experience.
Work-Life Balance: Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, Christchurch offers a fantastic lifestyle. Whether you enjoy skiing, hiking, surfing, or exploring the city’s cultural scene, you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind outside of work.
Overall, Christchurch is an excellent location for dentists seeking professional growth, strong earning potential, and an exceptional quality of life in one of New Zealand’s most vibrant and resilient cities.
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 Christchurch
The highest-paying areas for dentists in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region span both urban centres and rapidly growing suburban and regional communities, where demand for dental services remains strong. Key areas include:
Christchurch Central: As the region’s healthcare and commercial hub, central Christchurch offers excellent earning potential for dentists—typically between NZD $140,000 and $180,000 per year—thanks to high patient flow, modern facilities, and well-established practices.
Halswell, Papanui, and Riccarton: These thriving residential suburbs are experiencing continued population growth, with dentist salaries often ranging from NZD $140,000 to $175,000, especially in busy group or family-focused practices.
Rolleston and Lincoln (Selwyn District): Among New Zealand’s fastest-growing towns, these areas offer strong demand for dental care and salaries up to NZD $180,000, particularly in private practices serving expanding family populations.
Rangiora and Kaiapoi (Waimakariri District): Just north of Christchurch, these towns offer rewarding opportunities with salaries generally between NZD $135,000 and $170,000, driven by growing suburban populations and limited competition in the dental sector.
Ashburton and Timaru (South Canterbury): For dentists open to working slightly further afield, these regional centres offer stable demand and competitive pay—up to NZD $175,000, often with added incentives such as relocation support or housing assistance.
These Canterbury locations provide strong earning potential, career diversity, and the chance to enjoy everything the South Island has to offer—from mountains and beaches to city life and small-town charm. Christchurch is an ideal base for dentists looking to balance professional advancement with an exceptional lifestyle.
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]