Lead Dental Assistant

• Fulfilling Lead DA role to support Smile Squad university student placements, including supporting the DHSV and agency Lead Oral Health Therapists/Dental Therapists.
• Leadership position with travel across Victoria
• Salary: up to $70,481 depending on quals & exp + 12% super + salary packaging
• Tax free away from home/travel allowance

At Dental Health Services (DHSV) we know our team is key to delivering better oral health for young Victorians. This varied and exciting role provides the opportunity to work outside of the usual fixed clinical setting. This role provides the opportunity to work both collaboratively and autonomously. Our team is open and collaborative with a focus on making a real difference to people's lives. You'll thrive in a team of like-minded people and sink your teeth into diverse, interesting work. Does this sound like a place you want to be?

Join our supportive team committed to enhancing the oral health of government school students statewide. We're looking for an experienced Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team of Lead Regional OHT/DTs and Lead DAs, playing a vital role in the success of Smile Squad, the Victorian Government's free school dental program.

Whether you're in private or public practice, or if you're seeking a new challenge, this opportunity is for you.

Joining us means access to professional development and personalised support from our team of Oral Health Advisors, and clinical leaders supporting your professional growth. Reporting to the DHSV Smile Squad Regional Coordinator, you'll play a pivotal role in helping us deliver our Smile Squad school dental initiative across Victoria.

Some duties to expect:

• Support clinicians in the provision of clinical services to students in Victorian government schools as part of the Smile Squad program where workforce shortages exist, or agencies require additional support
• Travel within your region to provide clinical services at various school locations
• Work clinically in a school setting either utilising the portable dental equipment, or working in and operating the Smile Squad treatment van
• Take the lead on certain aspects of the clinical placements, ensuring their smooth running to support the delivery of Smile Squad
• Be a subject matter expert, streamline processes, and make recommendations for optimal workflow as part of our continuous improvement cycle
• Establish and foster strong networks and working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, particularly Community Dental Agencies and schools.
• Liaise with schools to organise the delivery of Smile Squad services
• Be involved in exciting and varied oral health outreach events

A bit about you:

• Experienced working with children
• Holds a Victorian driver's license and Working with Children Check
• Demonstrates outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Possesses Cert III in Dental Assisting
• Possess a Cert IV with Fluoride Varnish qualification or willingness to complete qualification
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and environments
• Shows initiative and accountability and pride in their work
• Regular travel and overnight stays within the designated region will be required.Occasional travel to other regions may also be requested depending on the needs of the wider program.

Why work at DHSV?

• Travel with ease - access to Smile Squad vehicles
• Break free from the fixed clinic environment – either utilising the portable dental equipment in school settings or working in the Smile Squad treatment van
• Invest in your growth. Focus on leadership and mentoring through Professional Development and hands-on experiences in a lead position
• Embrace challenges and take on exciting clinical opportunities
• Balance is key, no weekends and some flexibility to take leave during school holidays can be considered by mutual agreement, depending on the needs of the wider program
• Unlock benefits including Salary packaging, travel allowance and structured professional support.

To view the position description, please click here.

To apply for this role, pleaseclick apply now,and follow the prompts. You can also email

Applications close: 5pm Wednesday 23rd July

We will be reviewing applications as we receive them so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We acknowledge that diversity increases our ability to transform and achieve better health outcomes and therefore encourage applications from workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.We are committed to increasing Indigenous employment and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

DHSV is committed to child safety and wellbeing and has zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. We provide an inclusive and welcoming environment where cultural safety for children is promoted and practiced.

DHSV is a public health service and requires employees to be vaccinated in accordance with Department of Health policies or guidelines and/or public health orders issued by the government.