Dental Specialist - Orthodontist or Endodontist or Prosthodontist
Healthcare & Medical
Closing date: 6/19/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Samoa. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Dental Specialist or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in the Samoa will be 6 months.
VSA will support you by funding and organizing your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- Proven experience in General dental practice
- Fellow in General Dental Practice
- Bachelor's Degree in Dental Surgery and/or equivalent qualification from a recognised Dental Institute
- Fully registered dental practitioner with the Dental Council or equivalent of the home country.
- High standard of written and verbal communication.
- Ability to maintain professional relationships respectfully, acknowledging the skills of the local staff.
- Ability to work flexibly in a constantly changing and challenging environment.
- Proven cultural competency and ability to work in a resource-limited setting.
Important note
: Due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
Our Partner Organisation – Ministry of Health – Oral and Dental Health Services The Ministry of Health (MOH) is a core government organisation in Samoa that employs over 1400 employees with a core mandate to deliver health care services for Samoa. The vision of MOH is to “accelerate health and well-being for a healthy Samoa.” The mission is to provide comprehensive people centred health care services through the delivery of preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitation services whilst empowering the people of Samoa to take ownership of their health.
The Assignment
As a Dental Speiclist volunteer, you will assist by building the capacities and training local staff through one-on-one/team sessions, or on-the-job training and mentoring. You will be available on-site at both clinical units and dental community outreach to teach and support existing personnel, provide confidence to staff with regards to their current skill sets, knowledge base, and subsequent management of patients:
- Strengthen referral pathways between the Denal Urgent Care unit and other units internally, as well as the General Outpatients & ED, inpatient wards, and rural district hospitals.
- Strengthen workforce capability through supervision of junior dentists and other dental professionals
- Develop and strengthen professional development activities and programs between Dental Services and other medical units and other partner organisations such as the Samoa Red Cross, National University of Samoa, Fiji National University, Otago University etc.
The Country
– Samoa
Samoa is situated in the South Pacific approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It sits squarely in the cyclone belt and is highly vulnerable to devastating storms. Around three-quarters of its 195,000 population live on the main island of Upolu; the rest live on the neighbouring island of Savai'i or one of the seven small islets.
The traditional Samoan way, the fa’a Samoa, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics where family is all-important, and elders are highly respected.
Each village is made up of extended families that are represented on the village council by a chief (matai). The more western-style parliamentary system in Samoa is highly influenced by traditional social systems and the family, civic and political duties performed by the matai at village level. The country is predominantly Christian.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: Apply for this opportunity through our website.
For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, email volunteer@vsa.org.nz.
For a copy of the Assignment Description, please click the apply button which will direct you to the VSA website. You will be able to download a copy from the advertisement.
What’s included
Included when you join us
VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.
You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.
VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.
You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.
Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready
From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
Preparation
How to prepare?
Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.
Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.
Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.
You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.
VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.
The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.
From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.
