Meet the members: Dr Rose Wu 7th Apr 2026
Meet the members: Rose Wu, a recent grad keeping teeth healthy on the Kāpiti Coast
For most people, choosing the perfect career path means umming and ahhing, trial and error, and maybe a few false starts before finding the right fit. But for Rose Wu, dentistry wasn't just a calling, it was a family tradition.
“My grandad and great-grandad were both dentists, so that decision to go to dental school felt like an easy one for me! I remember hanging out in grandad’s practice as a little kid, I always loved it. I think dentistry is the ideal mix of practical skill and medical knowledge.”
Following a stint at Dunedin Hospital, she’s now into her third year of working in a busy Kapiti Coast practice, and says serving the diverse dental needs of her community is the most rewarding career step yet.
“When you’re seeing local patients regularly, you really get to know people. You see your younger patients growing and changing and reaching different life stages, and it's great to be able to care for your community in such a practical way. It’s a real honour to follow people through their lives via dentistry. The dental chair can be a vulnerable place and putting people at ease is a privilege. We see a lot of people who are anxious about visiting the dentist - but I always take that as a positive challenge!”
Rose says alongside invaluable support from her principal dentist and practice colleagues, NZDA has been instrumental in helping her get started in her dream career.
“The NZDA is so supportive of new grads, right down to paving a pathway into the workforce - the annual NZDA Employment Fair is how many of us get our jobs.
“Starting out as a new dentist can be quite overwhelming, but the NZDA online resources are really helpful for making that transition from study into work. As a new grad, I often used the NZDA charts to help me fill out the paperwork and various forms we needed for our patients, for example ACC and OHSA pathways. It’s just nice to have those extra resources to confirm you've covered all the bases.”
Now that she’s in practice, Rose is paying it forward by supporting other new grads as one of a network of young dentist representatives throughout the country. Working at a busy community clinic means there is always something new to learn, she also keeps tabs on NZDA courses and events to ensure she keeps upskilling well beyond dental school.
“I love that dentistry is the type of career that drives you to keep learning, and NZDA supports that with a huge range of courses and webinars on offer. The NZDA Conference is a big event on the annual calendar and they always have really interesting guest speakers and professional development lectures, plus it’s a chance to see colleagues and learn from them, too.
“New Zealand dentists make up quite a small group, but it’s such a cool little community, and NZDA is a key part of that. You always feel like you can ask colleagues for advice and everyone helps each other. I think having that support helps us to offer the best care for our patients.”
