Temping as a Dental Hygienist
Temping, or temporary employment, has emerged as a compelling option for dental hygienists seeking flexibility, variety, and professional growth in their careers. This trend has gained momentum as dental practices navigate fluctuating patient demands, staffing needs, and evolving healthcare systems.
In this article, we share our top tips for how to start temping as a dental hygienist. We also go over the possible pros and cons of this career path to see if it is right for you.
Table of Contents
What to Expect From Temping as a Dental Hygienist
Temping as a dental hygienist refers to working on a temporary basis rather than being employed full-time at a single dental practice. Temping allows dental hygienists to work in various dental offices, filling in for permanent staff who may be on vacation, maternity leave, or sick leave, or during peak times when additional help is needed.
The Pros of Temping as a Dental Hygienist
- 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.
The Cons of Temping as a Dental Hygienist
- 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 Start Temping as a Dental Hygienist
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner contemplating a shift in your career or a newcomer eager to explore the possibilities within dental hygiene, temping as a dental hygienist can be your next career step.
Below we break down the steps to start temping as a dental hygienist.
Preparing to Temp
Temping can be beneficial for dental hygienists who prefer variety in their work environments or who need a more flexible schedule due to personal or family obligations. Before you start temping as a dental hygienist, there are a few things you need to do to prepare for this career shift.
- Review Licensing Requirements: Ensure that you meet the licensing requirements to practice as a dental hygienist in your area. You may also have to prove licensure and certifications such as BLS/CPR, OSHA, and infection control.
- Gain Experience: While some agencies may accept newly licensed dental hygienists, having some experience in the field can make you more competitive as a temp. Consider working in a permanent position for a period of time to gain clinical experience and build your skills.
- Update Your Resume and Credentials: Create a professional resume highlighting your education, licensure, certifications, and any relevant experience. Be sure to include any continuing education courses or specialized training you have completed.
Finding Potential Dental Positions
- Research Temp Agencies: Look for staffing agencies or placement services that specialize in placing dental professionals, including dental hygienists. Research their reputation, client base, and the types of positions they offer.
- Submit Your Application: Contact temp agencies in your area and inquire about their application process. You may need to submit your resume, licensure information, and other credentials. Some agencies may also require you to complete an interview or skills assessment.
- Complete Any Required Paperwork: Once accepted by a temp agency, you may need to complete paperwork such as employment contracts, tax forms, and background checks.
- Be Flexible with Assignments: Temping often involves working on short notice and adapting to different practice environments. Be prepared to accept assignments on short notice and be flexible with your schedule.
Considerations While Temping
When working as a temp, it’s important to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Always be punctual and make sure you have enough time to acclimate before your first patient arrives.
Before starting temping as a dental hygienist, these are good questions for you to ask before your shift.
- What is the start time, time of your lunch break, and end time of your day?
- Is there a specific uniform or color that is encouraged to wear?
- Will certain PPE be mandated and if so, will it be provided?
- You most likely will be responsible for bringing certain PPE such as lab coats and protective eyewear.
- How early are you able to arrive before the start of your first patient?
The most important consideration while temping as a dental hygienist is to make sure you feel safe. Unfortunately, some offices may try to cut corners which may lead to unsafe conditions for you and your patients. 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.
I have personally experienced poor conditions while temping in certain dental offices. I have come across poor sterilization techniques, improper PPE mask levels, and improper water filtering, just to name a few. If you experience any alarming actions, please know you DO NOT have to put yourself at risk and continue working the shift.
Tips for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are needed to temp to 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.
