NZ Dental Congress 2026
Where: NZ International Convention Centre, Auckland
When: 27-29 August 2026
Get ready for the biggest dental event of 2026!
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), New Zealand Oral Health Association (NZOHA), and New Zealand Institute of Dental Technologists (NZIDT) are joining forces to deliver the New Zealand Dental Congress 2026.
Congress will kick off with an opening session bringing everyone together, followed by each association presenting its own tailored scientific programme, with select open sessions to foster collaboration. The shared industry expo will be a buzzing hub of activity, connection and energy.
Expect inspiring sessions, hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and a vibrant social programme that keeps wellbeing front of mind.
The event will take place from 27 – 29 August 2026 at the brand-new New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
Registration opens in mid-March, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
Why Work for a Māori Oral Health Provider?
Where: Online Webinar, Zoom
When: Wednesday 18th February, 7:30-8:30pm
This webinar explores what it is like to work within a Māori Oral Health Provider (MOHP), highlighting the professional, cultural and community benefits of kaupapa Māori oral health practice.
Drawing on lived experience, Barbara Laing will discuss how working within a Māori health provider supports clinicians through mentoring, culturally grounded ways of working and a strong focus on whānau-centred care. Using Te Manu Toroa as an example, the session will share insights into a wraparound model of care, where oral health services are delivered alongside wider primary and community health services.
This includes providing care for pēpi, tamariki, and rangatahi (0–18 years) through kura and Wharekura using mobile dental units, as well as at a fixed clinic in Pāpāmoa, with a strong emphasis on prevention, access, and whānau ora.
This webinar will be relevant for oral health therapists, dental hygienist, dental therapist, dentists, and other practitioners interested in kaupapa Māori health settings, as well as those wanting to better understand the unique opportunities and rewards of working within the Māori oral health sector.
Radiography courses for dental hygienists and dental therapists
Where: The University of Otago
When:
Intra-oral radiography - Monday 9 February 2026 8.15am–5.15pm $450.00
Extra-oral Radiography - Tuesday 10 February 2026 8.15am–5.15pm $420.00
The Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, is running radiography courses for practising dental hygienists and dental therapists. Dental therapists are eligible to register for the intra-oral radiography module, and dental hygienists are eligible to register for one or both of the intra-oral and extra-oral modules (as per Dental Council Scope of Practice Competencies).
PDT Instrumentation Decoded
Where: Zoom webinar
When: Thursday 20th November, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Have you ever wondered what additional instruments are out there and how to use them? This comprehensive course will explore and compare a variety of sickle, universal curette, and specific curettes, including an evaluation of instruments design and how tooth and root morphology impact instrument selection.
Contact us with any questions or to join NZOHA
Key Links
Thank you to the Clare Foundation for supporting Te Ohu Pūniho Ora o Aotearoa – New Zealand Oral Health
