ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ORAL HYGIENE: H/A/38/2026

The Assistant Director: Oral Hygiene post is a senior professional and managerial role based at the Corporate Office of the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight for oral health services across the entire province. This includes coordinating and managing the provincial implementation of the Oral Health Policy in all districts, overseeing the provincial School Health Programme, and monitoring progress against the National Integrated Development Strategy (NIDS) targets. The role also entails offering strategic leadership and technical support to District Oral Health Coordinators, ensuring that oral health services are delivered consistently and in line with national clinical standards and Batho Pele principles. As a manager, the position holder will represent the provincial oral health section at strategic management meetings and will be expected to drive quality improvement, staff development, and change management initiatives across the section.

To be considered for this role, candidates must hold a Matric certificate and an appropriate qualification in oral hygiene that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). A minimum of three years’ appropriate experience after registration with the HPCSA in oral hygiene is required, along with five years’ experience in a supervisory or management capacity. Current registration with the HPCSA in Oral Hygiene for the 2026/2027 period is essential, as is a valid driver’s licence. The ideal candidate will possess excellent facilitation and communication skills, both verbal and written, and a basic understanding of human resource and financial policies and practices. Knowledge of planning, organising, leading, controlling, delegation, supervision, motivation, decision-making, and problem-solving is also required, together with familiarity with relevant policies, processes, and regulations. Basic computer literacy in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is expected.

The core duties of the post are wide-ranging. The Assistant Director will coordinate and manage the provincial implementation of the Oral Health Policy across all districts, oversee the School Health Programme, and monitor NIDS targets. The role includes monitoring and evaluating the quality of oral health services to ensure compliance with clinical standards, as well as facilitating staff training, change management, and professional development. The incumbent will also manage the human, financial, and physical resources of the provincial oral hygiene section, ensuring that service delivery meets quality standards and Batho Pele customer service expectations. This is a demanding leadership position that requires both clinical knowledge and managerial competence.

Applicants should note that this is a government post with specific application conditions. All applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, and only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide certified copies of qualifications and other documents. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and dual citizenship holders or non-SA citizens may be required to submit additional documentation. Successful candidates will be expected to enter into an employment contract and performance agreement, undergo a security clearance, and complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced oral hygiene professional seeking a strategic management role in the public health sector.