Dental Practice Recruitment & Onboarding Kit 2026

A complete, professional hiring and onboarding system for Australian dental practices — covering every step from writing a job advertisement to the new starter's first day and beyond. Version 3.0, updated April 2026.

Hiring the wrong person costs an Australian dental practice an average of $15,000–$30,000 in lost productivity, recruitment costs, and the time to start again. This kit gives you a structured, consistent process to hire the right person — and onboard them so well that they stay.

⚠ This kit contains template documents only. They do not constitute legal advice. Before use, have the employment contract reviewed by a qualified employment lawyer to ensure it is appropriate for your specific circumstances, applicable Modern Award, and state or territory jurisdiction.

✔ Fully editable Microsoft Word format
✔ 28 pages — 12 complete documents
✔ Version 3.0 — updated April 2026
✔ Instant digital download
✔ Single-practice licence

What's Included:

1. Recruitment Policy & 9-Step Process
A clear, compliant recruitment policy and step-by-step process guide — from identifying the need through to issuing the offer and completing induction.

2. How to Create a Job Advertisement
A practical guide to writing compelling job ads that attract the right candidates — with a sample Practice Manager advertisement ready to customise.

3. Hiring an Assistant Dentist Guide
A comprehensive guide to recruiting a dentist — including what to look for, 20+ structured interview questions covering clinical philosophy, patient care, teamwork, and long-term commitment, and a telephone screening guide.

4. 5 Job Descriptions
Ready-to-use job descriptions for every role in the practice — Dental Receptionist/FOC, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist/OHT, Sterilisation & Infection Control Assistant, and Practice Manager.

5. Interview Record Form & Question Bank
A structured interview scoring form (rated out of 10 across key competencies) and a comprehensive question bank covering current role, work history, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and team fit.

6. Interview Selection & Unsuccessful Applicant Letters
Professional template letters for inviting candidates to interview and notifying unsuccessful applicants — ready to personalise and send.

7. Employment Application Form
A complete application form capturing qualifications, AHPRA registration, employment history, and references — with a signed declaration.

8. Reference Request Form
A structured telephone reference check form with 14 questions covering performance, strengths, weaknesses, management style, integrity, and re-employment status.

9. Permanent Employment Contract
A comprehensive permanent employment contract template covering all NES entitlements — probation, remuneration, leave, superannuation, termination, redundancy, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. Aligned with the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.

10. Staff Induction Checklist (27 items)
A complete first-day induction checklist — covering welcome, practice tour, HR Manual, Fair Work Information Statement, contract signing, tax and super forms, system access, infection control, WHS, Right to Disconnect, privacy, and probation process. Includes a 2-week and 4-week check-in reminder.

11. New Starter Documents & Forms Checklist
A sign-off checklist ensuring every required document is issued, sighted, and signed on day one — with dual signature for Practice Manager and employee.

12. Successfully Completed Probation Letter
A warm, professional template letter confirming successful completion of probation and transition to permanent employment.