New Zealand is experiencing a significant shortage of dentists and oral health therapists, which is causing headaches in major centres around the country, and in regions like Taranaki, the problem is even more pronounced.
But that need is also opening up opportunities.
In a bold move from bustling city living to the charm of rural New Zealand, a suburban Auckland dentist has relocated his family to Taranaki to open his first self-owned dental practice.
Jivarne Joseph (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi), a husband and father of four, is the proud new owner of Eltham Dental Centre. The clinic, which was on the verge of closing, has been given a new lease on life under Joseph’s stewardship.
Despite having no prior ties to the Taranaki region, Joseph saw an opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream of running his own clinic.
The move marks a significant shift for Joseph, who grew up in Auckland and has spent much of his career in the fast-paced city environment. Now settled in the vibrant rural town of Eltham, he is eager to serve the local community and provide high-quality dental care to Taranaki residents.
“We felt like having this particular practice was too good of an opportunity to pass. So it felt like making the location work for us were the least of our worries.”
Late last year, the Joseph family were handed the keys by long-serving local dentist Wendy Pitman after more than 40 years.
@jasana_joseph Pinch me 🥹 We’ve always dreamed of working for ourselves. After years of hard work and going through multiple obstacles, we’re finally here 🙏🏽 #dreamcometrue #godisgood #dentalclinic #business #ownership #newhome #family #dentist #fyp
♬ chest pain by malcolm todd - Sir Malcolm Tott
Although it is a lot of mahi, the community has been very welcoming to the change in ownership.
“In Taranaki in general, it’s hard to get in to see a dentist. I see that there’s a massive need for it, so we’re tryna do as much as we can to do as much as possible.”
Ko te taiwhanga niho, kua roa e moemoeātia ana!
Ko Jirvane me āna kaimahi tokotoru anakē ngā rata niho ki Arakamu. Ko te tūmanako nui, kia tokomaha ake ngā rata niho hei whakarato i te iwi.
“You know, if the patient is paying something like $200, I’m not gaining all of that. That’s going to equipment, paying staff, the clinic so you appreciate the cost of everything as well.”
Neke atu i te 100,000 taara te nui o ngā moni i whakapaua ki te whakamōhou i te whare nei.
He kupu akiaki tā Jirvane, ki te hunga e hiahia ana ki te whakatū pakihi, okea ururoatia!
“One of my good friends told me that having a business is like having a newborn child. Whatever is needed is just what you do. But the benefit of that is that it’s yours, which means you’re more motivated to make it work.”
