NZDA Inaugural Young Dentist Employment Fair – August 2014

NZDA Inaugural Young Dentist Employment Fair – August 2014 – Christchurch

The Young Dentist Employment Fair will take place on Friday 22nd August, 1 – 5pm, during the New Zealand Dental Association’s Annual Conference in Christchurch. This is the first event of its kind to be held within the profession and is proudly sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline.

Dr David Crum, CEO of the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) states the single biggest reason for this initiative is the Association’s huge concern that there will be a shortage of jobs for young NZ graduates in 2015. This concern arises due to the recent massive over-supply of dentists in Australia. The first students from five new dental schools in Australia graduated last year, which has had had a profound effect on employment there.

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition allows an unlimited number of Australian dentists to have the right to gain registration and practice in NZ. Dr Crum reported the recent Australian Dental Association’s annual survey revealed unemployment amongst Australian dentists as being by far their single largest issue. He went on to state that the New Zealand Dental Association is attempting to assist our young New Zealand graduates who have huge student loans ($80,000-$100,000) to obtain employment here in New Zealand.

The Employment Fair will facilitate initial meetings between recently graduated dentists and potential employers. Registration is open to all final year dental students, 2012 and 2013 graduate NZDA Members and anyone who is looking to employ new/recent graduates in 2015.

Registered are 81 final year dental students, 13 recent graduates, 16 private practices, five businesses and five DHBs.

This initiative is strongly supported by the University of Otago Dental School, the dental profession and NZDA’s wider membership.

ENDS

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