DENTAL CHAIR ASSISTANT GRADE 1 (X2 POSTS)

This vacancy offers two Dental Chair Assistant Grade 1 posts within the Emalahleni and Victor Khanye sub-districts of the Nkangala District. The successful candidates will be based in hospital dental surgeries, where they will play a key role in supporting clinicians during oral health procedures. The position is a practical, hands-on role that combines chair side assisting with important administrative and infection control duties. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing instruments and dental materials before procedures, assisting clinicians throughout treatment, and ensuring that all dental equipment is properly maintained and ready for use. A strong understanding of infection prevention and control is essential, including the cleaning and sterilisation of instruments, as well as strict adherence to healthcare waste management legislation and principles.

Applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Dental Assistant in 2026. The role requires the ability to work under pressure, sound organisational skills, good communication abilities, and a self-motivated, goal-oriented attitude. Since the post involves regular interaction with patients, clinicians and other staff, good interpersonal relations are also vital.

The duties are broad and include chair side assisting, maintaining dental equipment, controlling stock, and managing inventories of dental instruments and materials. The incumbent will also perform a range of administrative tasks such as compiling statistics, registering patients, answering telephone calls, filing patient cards, ordering materials and giving appointments to patients. Ordering consumables as needed and conducting regular inventory checks are further key responsibilities. This means the post demands a meticulous, reliable individual who can multitask effectively in a busy clinical environment.

The department is committed to equal opportunities and affirmative action in line with the Employment Equity Act, and women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The successful candidate will be expected to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement within three months of appointment, and to complete a financial disclosure interests declaration form within one month of appointment and annually thereafter. The department reserves the right to fill or not to fill the advertised posts.