Is Being a Freelance Dental Hygienist Right For You?
Being a freelance dental hygienist can open up a world of opportunities for those who value flexibility, autonomy, and a diverse range of experiences in their career. Success as a freelance dental hygienist often requires strong organizational skills, self-discipline, and the ability to market oneself effectively.
In this article, we will go over the advantages and disadvantages that come with freelancing as a dental hygienist to see if this career path is right for you.
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What is a Freelance Dental Hygienist?
A freelance dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who provides oral health care services on a freelance or independent contractor basis rather than being directly employed by a specific dental practice or organization.
Freelance dental hygienists may work in various settings, including dental offices, clinics, schools, or community health centers. They often enjoy flexibility in their schedules and the opportunity to work with different dental teams and patient populations.
Is Freelancing Right For You?
Being a freelance dental hygienist can open up a range of opportunities that may not be available to those in traditional employment roles. Freelancing as a dental hygienist depends on their individual preferences, skills, and circumstances.
It’s essential to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing and consider how well it aligns with one’s goals and lifestyle before making a decision.
Advantages of Freelancing
- Flexibility: Dental hygienists can choose when and where they want to work, allowing them to create a schedule that fits their lifestyle or other commitments.
- Variety: Temping allows dental hygienists to work in various specialities in dentistry This helps with exposure to different practice settings, patient populations, and dental procedures.
- Networking Opportunities: Working in multiple dental offices exposes dental hygienists to a broader network of dental professionals. This can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities in the future.
- Professional Growth: Dental hygienists may encounter new technologies, treatment methods, and patient care approaches in different offices, allowing them to expand their knowledge and expertise.
- Higher Earnings Potential: Temping may offer higher hourly rates, especially for experienced dental hygienists willing to work in high-demand areas or during peak times.
- Work-Life Balance: Temping provides more control over work schedules, which can allow them to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies, or engage in continuing education opportunities.
- Reduced Administrative Responsibilities: As temporary employees, dental hygienists may have fewer administrative responsibilities compared to permanent staff. Your focus will be primarily on direct patient care.
Disadvantages of Freelancing
- Job Instability: Temping typically does not offer the same level of job security as permanent positions.
- You may face periods of unemployment between temporary assignments, especially during slow seasons or economic downturns.
- Inconsistent Income: Because temping involves working on a per diem or hourly basis, income can be inconsistent and unpredictable.
- Limited Benefits: Temporary employees will not receive the same benefits as permanent staff, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, or continuing education allowances.
- Adaptability Challenges: Temping requires dental hygienists to quickly adapt to different office environments, workflows, and team dynamics, which can be challenging for some.
- Lack of Continuity in Patient Care: Building long-term relationships with patients and providing consistent care can be more difficult when moving between different offices.
- Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: Temping may not provide the same opportunities for career advancement or professional development as permanent positions.
- Dental hygienists may miss out on training programs, mentorship opportunities, or promotions available to full-time employees.
- Potential for Burnout: Balancing multiple temporary assignments and managing a fluctuating schedule can be stressful and lead to burnout for some dental hygienists.
- Dependency on Agency: Dental hygienists who work through staffing agencies may be subject to agency fees or requirements, which can affect overall earnings and autonomy in choosing assignments.
How to Succeed as a Freelance Dental Hygienist
Being successful as a freelance dental hygienist requires a combination of clinical skills, business acumen, and professional qualities. By maintaining a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continuous improvement, you can increase your chances of success as a freelance dental hygienist.
The three top goals you should have when freelancing as a dental hygienist are professionalism, adaptability, and staying organized.
Professionalism
Professionalism is essential for freelance dental hygienists as it impacts their reputation, relationships with clients and colleagues, and overall success in the field. Networking with other dental professionals is one of the biggest long-term advantages. It can open up many opportunities outside of direct patient care and advance your career in the future.
Adaptability
Adaptability is essential for freelance dental hygienists to navigate the diverse environments they come across in their profession. By being adaptable, dental hygienists can effectively manage changing environments, client needs, technological advancements, and market trends, ultimately contributing to their professional success and satisfaction.
Your adaptability skills can directly influence your day by remaining positive in environments that may not be optimal. This does not mean. you should compromise your code of ethics.
It’s important to always remember that you have a license and patients to protect and you may be liable if an unfortunate event occurs.
Staying Organized
Staying organized is critical for freelance dental hygienists to manage their time, resources, and client relationships effectively. By maintaining structured systems, processes, and workflows, dental hygienists can enhance their professionalism, deliver quality care, and achieve success in their freelance practice.
Check out our Daily Patient Planner Digital Download to help organize your day and help you stay on time.
Resources for Dental Hygienists
Freelance dental hygienists provide staffing flexibility, maintain quality of care, meet regulatory requirements, access specialized skills, and facilitate trial periods for both practices and practitioners. Dental hygienists are vital to a successful dental practice and pioneering preventative dental care.
For more support in your dental hygiene career, check out our articles below.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Certain products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
