A new graduate working for a district health board as a dental therapist can expect to earn $40,000. Their pay then increases annually for six years, to $56,300. After this, pay increases are based on merit. The top pay rate for a dental therapist who works in the public health system is $62,000.

Few dental therapists work in the private sector, and pay rates vary. They are more likely to be paid by the hour. This rate can range from $30 to $60 an hour, depending on where they practice and their level of experience.

Most dental therapists work in school and community dental services, which are run by district health boards. Dental therapists can progress into management positions within these services.

Proposed changes to the school and community dental services are expected to open up more opportunities for dental therapists in the public sector. These changes include replacing some school dental clinics with larger, community-based clinics which will provide dental care for all age groups, and therefore more scope for progression.

There are also opportunities for a small number of dental therapists to work as academics at either the University of Otago or Auckland University of Technology.