Dental Therapist

FNHA Overview

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative, and dedicated team members and leaders. The First Nations Health Authority is a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

The First Nations Health Authority is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. All interested First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals are encouraged to apply. The First Nations Health Authority has a mandate to increase First Nations representation in the workforce. Applicant skills, perspectives and lived experience may be matched for this role, or other opportunities within the FNHA.

Dental Therapist

$89,752 - $109,193 per year (pay range explained below)

Term, 12 months from start date

8:30 – 4:30 Mon – Fri (core hours 9am–3pm Mon – Fri)

Fort Saint James, on site

PSAC Local 22000 (Public Service Alliance of Canada)

As a Dental Therapist, you will deliver preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare, oral health education, and public health promotion programs in First Nations communities in BC under the general direction of the Manager, Oral Health. This position operates with a high degree of independence in community settings and collaborates with interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams to enhance access to care.

Regular travel to First Nations communities is required. This includes daily commuting to community sites, as well as overnight travel approximately every 4–8 weeks, for up to 5 days at a time.

• Graduation from an accredited school of Dental Hygiene with a Diploma or Degree in Dental Hygiene.
• Currently licensed to practice and in good standing with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals.
• Certified in BC to provide local anaesthetic.
• 3-5 years recent experience in clinical practice.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License required.

• Experience working in community health or with First Nations communities an asset.

• Accredited Dental Therapy education and active licensure.
• Strong clinical competence across the full scope of Dental Therapy practice.
• Experience delivering diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, periodontic, and minor surgical procedures, along with oral health education and promotion.
• Experience working in community health and/or with First Nations communities (asset).
• Understanding of First Nations health structures in BC, cultural practices, trauma-informed care, and the impacts of colonization on oral health.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills; ability to collaborate with clinicians, community partners, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams while delivering culturally safe, respectful care.
• Strong planning, problem solving, and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage independent travel, scheduling, program coordination, documentation, and quality improvement responsibilities in dynamic community settings.

• Municipal Pension plan with an employer contribution of 9.31% after eligibility period.
• 14 holidays including National Indigenous People’s Day, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Easter Monday and Boxing Day.
• Access to group health benefits and a Health Care Spending Account through Canada Life on day 1 of employment.
• And more!