
Originally Posted by
Plymgirl
Hi there I was wondering if Nicola is still using this site and if so has she got any info for dentists coming over - OH is one and looking for info on what to do and where to start looking for work and how high is the demand for dentists. Thanx so much
Zelda
Hi, Peter here - Nicola's other half.
Been here two and a half years and have settled in well. Still in the same practice.
I found my post via the NZDA website, here -
http://www.nzda.org.nz/pub/index.php?id=37
contact was via email and phone and my job was all sorted before we left.
DCNZ were also very helpfull and lots of information on their site as well.
The demand for dentists varies depending on area of course but even here in Hawkes Bay where there are already lots there is still a demand for new ones.
When I arrived I went on a weeks course at Otago dental school. This is primarily for those dentists from abroad to prepare them for the exams but I went along just to see how things were here and I found it all pretty similar to the Uk. CPD is also compulsory here, just as the uk although you will probably have to travel to get to courses unless based in Auckland Wellington or Chch.
Dentistry is pretty well all private here of course - I see maybe 12 to 15 patients a day now as opposed to 30 to 40 back in the national health.
And yes, compared to the wages here dentistry is expensive for the average person.
You'll know all about the application process by now, I suppose but if you have any questions just ask.
peter