If you’re considering dental hygiene temping, you most likely have many questions, especially if it’s your first time. As a temp agency owner and registered dental hygienist, I’ve been on both sides of the experience. Here are seven of the most common questions I receive, along with advice I wish someone had given me when I first started temping.
How do you find temping opportunities?
Start with your local dental temp agency. A quick Google search should bring up agencies in your area – many are run by hygienists or assistants who are familiar with the ins and outs of dental life. One thing I love about working with agencies is that they often know the offices and doctors personally and can give insight before you walk through the door, such as whether it’s a relaxed or high-volume office. You may not find that same level of understanding with large-scale temp agencies.
Another great option is to join dental temping Facebook groups. These communities are full of job posts and real-time updates, and they’re an excellent way to hear firsthand experiences from other professionals in your area.
What should I do before booking a temp job?
Do your homework. Before stepping into a new office, it helps to find out:
- The pay rate, how you will be paid (check or direct deposit), and employment classification (W-2 employee)
- How much time is given for each appointment (i.e., child/adult prophy, periodontal maintenance)
- How many patients per day
- What software they use
- Whether they use paper or digital charts
- What kind of radiograph equipment is in place (i.e., digital sensors, phosphor plates, traditional film, handheld/wall-mounted)
- Will you have a hygiene assistant
- Does the office utilize an assisted/accelerated hygiene model
- What is expected if a patient no-shows
Trust me, walking into a paper chart office with old-school film x-rays when you’re used to digital sensors is not fun – I’ve been there. If you’re unfamiliar with a software, watch a quick YouTube tutorial.
While team members will usually help, they may be too busy with their own workload to walk you through everything throughout the day. Arriving early will prepare you, and it also shows professionalism.
What about lunch breaks?
You’d be surprised how many offices don’t schedule lunch breaks or expect you to work straight through them. I learned this the hard way. Always ask the office’s break policy ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to request one if it’s not already scheduled.
I also recommend bringing your own lunch just in case things run behind.
Tip: Don’t feel pressured to eat in the break room. If you’d rather decompress in your car, do it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to eat in peace.
What should I bring?
At the very minimum, bring a copy of your dental hygiene license, as most states require licenses to be in plain view of patients.
In addition, here’s what I always have in my temp bag:
- A few of my favorite scalers that are sterilized and ready to go
- A long-sleeved shirt to wear under my scrubs (offices vary wildly in temperature, and I run cold)
- Clear safety glasses (just in case I forget my loupes)
Running late? Left your loupes at your home office? You can grab an inexpensive pair of safety glasses at a drugstore or even a hardware store. If you typically use loupes but forget them, let the dentist know. They’ll appreciate the heads-up!
What if the schedule falls apart midday?
Dental schedules can be unpredictable. If you’re with an agency, they likely have policies in place to protect your time, and you should ask for clarification on these. Many agencies, for instance, require that the offices they work with provide a minimum-hour guarantee. This typically means the agency ensures you’ll be paid for a certain number of hours, even if the office cancels your shift last minute or sends you home early. However, you should find out this information ahead of time.
If you’re temping independently, be sure to clarify expectations in advance. Most people don’t want a surprise four-hour lunch break in a city that’s far from home.
What questions should I ask when you arrive?
Asking the right questions can make your day go much smoother. For example:
- How does the doctor want to be notified for exams? Does the office utilize sticky notes, headsets, or a light system?
- When does the doctor prefer to do exams? Right after radiographs or after hygiene treatment is complete?
- Should the front desk be alerted before bringing the patient up at the end of the appointment?
- Who handles reappointments and treatment plans?
Don’t be afraid to ask − clarity upfront makes everyone’s day easier.
What if I don’t want to return to an office?
Not every office will be a good fit. You may encounter difficult personalities or less-than-ideal working conditions. That’s okay because that’s the beauty of temping: it’s temporary.
If you haven’t committed to coming back, you’re under no obligation to return. Simply let your agency know you prefer not to be placed at that office again. Be professional and avoid gossiping or venting about an office or doctor on social media. The dental world is small, and your reputation matters.
In Closing
Temping can be a great way to expand your experience, earn extra income, and explore different types of offices. The key is preparation and communication. Ask questions, go in with the right information, and remember every day is a learning opportunity.
The office may change, but your skills as a dental hygienist are always with you!
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