Dental Assistant

Are you a Dental Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact in a unique primary healthcare setting?

We’re seeking an experienced and motivated Dental Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team at Cairns Health Centre, located at HMAS Cairns. This is a rewarding opportunity to deliver high-quality dental support within a structured, professional, and purpose-driven environment supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

What’s on offer

• Work-life balance – predictable part-time hours Monday to Thursday (0700 to 1630) and a half day Friday (5.5 hours)

• Safe, respectful environment – professional, health-focused patient cohort

• Collaborative team – feel valued and supported in a multidisciplinary setting

• No financial transactions – focus on clinical and chair-side support only

• Civilian role – contribute to Defence health without wearing the uniform

• Practical perks – free parking and uniforms

• Wellbeing support – access to mental health resources and lifestyle discounts

About Cairns Health Centre

Located at HMAS Cairns on the northern shore of Trinity Inlet and close to the Cairns CBD, Cairns Health Centre supports approximately 1,000 Navy and civilian personnel. The centre provides primary medical, underwater medicine, dental, nursing, and mental health services. Personnel here mainly conduct border control and operations extending from Rockhampton to Thursday Island, supporting fleet-based units through maintenance, logistics, and administration. Standard operating hours are generally 0700-1630 Monday to Thursday, with a half day (5.5 hours) on Friday, depending on role requirements.

What you’ll do

• Provide efficient and high-quality chair-side dental assisting support

• Prepare, maintain, and manage dental instruments, equipment, and surgery areas

• Support clinicians to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centred dental care

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in line with Defence policies and privacy requirements

• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team

What you bring

• Technical and professional skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with clinicians, patients, and stakeholders

• Commitment to workplace initiatives that promote safe, efficient, and high-quality dental care

• Qualifications: Certificate III in Dental Assisting (or nationally recognised equivalent)

• Minimum of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) chair-side dental assisting experience, with at least 2 years within the last 5 years

• Recent participation in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities

• Current First Aid (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009) certification

Who we are

Serco supports more than 12,000 professionals across Asia Pacific, delivering essential services in defence, health, justice, and beyond. Through our partnership with Bupa, we provide integrated on-base healthcare services to Australian Defence Force personnel across 45+ locations nationally.

Join Serco and provide quality dental care for those who serve.