New Zealand Dental Therapists Association

Last updated:
28 July, 2010

Information

The New Zealand Dental Therapists' Association (NZDTA) came into being when members attending the 1995 Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Dental Nurses Institute voted for a new structure and a new name for their professional representative organisation.

At the time, the industrial climate was changing, the effects of a decentralised health service were becoming evident and the NZDTA was the only national organisation representing dental therapists on professional issues. Today, as the environment continues to change, the NZDTA remains the only national organisation that represents and supports dental therapists on professional issues.

NZDTA Purpose

The purpose of the NZDTA is to preserve and promote the interests of the dental therapy profession, to enhance the professional profile of dental therapists and dental therapy services, and to promote oral health.

NZDTA Aims

To support members to provide a high standard of oral health care.
To be the official channel of communication on behalf of members.
To provide an avenue for members to discuss and debate matters of common interest related to the practice of dental therapy.
To encourage and facilitate the continuing professional development of members.
To uphold ethical and quality standards of practice amongst NZDTA members.
To promote and strengthen the NZDTA involvement in dental therapy education.
To foster and maintain links with allied groups.
To do anything else that would further these aims.

Organisation, Structure and Function of the NZDTA

The NZDTA is an incorporated society that provides voluntary membership to NZ registered practising dental therapists and dental therapy/hygiene students, and associate membership to non-practising dental therapists, ex-dental therapists/dental nurses and other oral health personnel.

The Executive Council is the governing body of the NZDTA and is comprised of an elected President, Vice-President, Treasurer - plus a Secretary if no Executive Officer is employed - and nine elected regional representatives: three from the northern region, and two each from the midland, central and southern regions.

The Executive Council is responsible for managing the NZDTA and is accountable to the Annual General Meeting, which is the highest decision making authority of the Association.

Local NZDTA Branches are responsible for management of the NZDTA in their area, subject to policy set at Annual general Meetings and by the Executive Council.

To maintain the NZDTA as a dynamic, innovative and proactive organisation a strong membership dedicated to achieving the best for dental therapists and their profession is essential. The NZDTA warmly welcomes new members and looks forward to receiving applications for membership. For membership application forms, please contact:

The Executive Officer
NZDTA
PO Box 24557
Royal Oak, Auckland 1345

Executive Council

President	Vice-President	Executive Officer	Treasurer
Gillian Tahi Auckland president@nzdta.co.nz	Jo Lowry Auckland	Ngaire Mune Auckland nzdta@nzdta.co.nz	Karen King Palmerston North treasurer@nzdta.co.nz

Regional Representatives

Vacant AUCKLAND	Sharon Brunton ROTORUA	Vacant HAMILTON
Lynette Nicholas NELSON	Rebecca Baird DUNEDIN	Kate Hall DUNEDIN
Yvonne Smyth NORTHLAND	Sharon Carkeek PALMERSTON NORTH	Lyn Henry AUCKLAND

Student Representatives

Sam Peters
University of Otago

Marize Jones
Auckland University of Tecnology