Picking up shifts on your own terms beats waiting for someone else to build your schedule. For dental hygienists who want more control over when, where, and how much they work, temporary and per diem shifts offer a practical path to flexibility and higher earning potential.
This guide covers what dental hygiene shifts typically pay, which opportunities command the best rates, and how to start booking shifts that fit your life.
How Much Do Dental Hygiene Shifts Pay
Dental hygiene shifts typically range from $35 to $60 per hour, though the exact rate depends on where you work, what type of practice you’re in, and how quickly the office needs someone. Temporary shifts often pay more than traditional employment because practices are willing to offer a premium when they’re in a bind, with 90% of recruiting dentists reporting that hiring hygienists is extremely challenging. The good news? Once you know what drives pay differences, you can be more strategic about which shifts you pick up.
Average Hourly Rates for Temporary Dental Hygienists
Temporary hygienists generally earn more per hour than hygienists in permanent positions. Urban areas and regions with hygienist shortages tend to offer the highest rates, while rural markets may pay less but also have fewer people competing for open shifts.
The platform you use matters too. Some marketplaces let you set your own minimum rate and only show you shifts that meet it, which saves time and keeps you focused on opportunities worth your while.
Factors That Affect Shift Pay
A few key variables determine what any given shift pays:
- Location: Metro areas and regions with staffing shortages , more than 7,000 nationwide, typically offer higher compensation.
- Urgency: Same-day or next-day fills often come with above-market rates because the office is in a tight spot.
- Practice type: Specialty offices like periodontal or oral surgery practices frequently pay more than general dentistry.
- Timing: Weekend shifts and extended evening hours usually carry a premium since fewer hygienists want them.
Highest Paying Shift Opportunities
If earning top dollar is your goal, urgent-fill shifts are your best bet. When a practice has a full schedule and no coverage, they’ll pay more to avoid canceling patients.
Specialty practices also tend to pay well because they value hygienists who can handle complex cases without a lot of hand-holding. And shifts during less popular time slots, such as early mornings, late evenings, and Saturdays often pay more simply because most people would rather not work them.
What Makes Dental Hygiene Shifts High Paying
Temporary hygienists generally earn more per hour than hygienists in permanent positions. Urban areas and regions with hygienist shortages tend to offer the highest rates, while rural markets may pay less but also have fewer people competing for open shifts.
The platform you use matters too. Some marketplaces let you set your own minimum rate and only show you shifts that meet it, which saves time and keeps you focused on opportunities worth your while.
Factors That Affect Shift Pay
A few key variables determine what any given shift pays:
- Location: Metro areas and regions with staffing shortages , more than 7,000 nationwide, typically offer higher compensation.
- Urgency: Same-day or next-day fills often come with above-market rates because the office is in a tight spot.
- Practice type: Specialty offices like periodontal or oral surgery practices frequently pay more than general dentistry.
- Timing: Weekend shifts and extended evening hours usually carry a premium since fewer hygienists want them.
Highest Paying Shift Opportunities
If earning top dollar is your goal, urgent-fill shifts are your best bet. When a practice has a full schedule and no coverage, they’ll pay more to avoid canceling patients.
Specialty practices also tend to pay well because they value hygienists who can handle complex cases without a lot of hand-holding. And shifts during less popular time slots, such as early mornings, late evenings, and Saturdays often pay more simply because most people would rather not work them.
What Makes Dental Hygiene Shifts High Paying
Not every shift pays the same, and the ones that pay the most usually share a few common traits. It comes down to supply, demand, and timing.
Urgent Fill and Last-Minute Shifts
When a practice has patients booked and no one to see them, they face a choice: cancel appointments or pay more to get someone in fast. With only 43% of practices successfully filling hygienist roles, most offices choose to pay up. Urgent-fill shifts can pay significantly more than shifts booked weeks ahead, so keeping an eye on last-minute openings can boost your earnings.
Specialty and High-Production Practices
Periodontal offices, oral surgery centers, and high-volume corporate practices often offer higher rates. They’re looking for hygienists who can work efficiently, adapt quickly to unfamiliar setups, and handle complex cases without slowing down the day.
Weekend and Extended Hour Coverage
Many hygienists prefer a Monday-through-Thursday schedule, which leaves Friday, Saturday, and evening shifts harder to fill. Practices that operate during off-peak hours often compensate accordingly, so if you’re flexible on timing, you can take advantage of that gap.
Types of Dental Hygiene Shifts Available
Before you start browsing, it helps to know what kinds of shift work are out there. Each type offers a different mix of flexibility, consistency, and commitment.
| Shift Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary/Per Diem | Single-day or short-term coverage | Maximum flexibility |
| Part-Time/Recurring | Ongoing shifts at the same practice | Consistent supplemental income |
| Full-Time Placements | Permanent positions through the platform | Career transitions |
Temporary and Per Diem Shifts
Temporary shifts are one-time or short-term assignments with no strings attached. You pick up a shift, complete it, and move on. This setup works well if you want variety, want to test out different practice environments, or simply prefer to control your schedule week by week.
Part-Time and Recurring Shifts
Some practices prefer working with the same hygienist on a regular basis—every Tuesday and Thursday, for example. Recurring arrangements give you more predictability while still offering flexibility compared to a traditional full-time role.
Full-Time Placements
Many staffing platforms also connect professionals with permanent positions. If you’re using temp work to explore your options, this can be a low-risk way to try out a practice before making a long-term commitment.
Types of Dental Hygiene Shifts Available
Before you start browsing, it helps to know what kinds of shift work are out there. Each type offers a different mix of flexibility, consistency, and commitment.
| Shift Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary/Per Diem | Single-day or short-term coverage | Maximum flexibility |
| Part-Time/Recurring | Ongoing shifts at the same practice | Consistent supplemental income |
| Full-Time Placements | Permanent positions through the platform | Career transitions |
Temporary and Per Diem Shifts
Temporary shifts are one-time or short-term assignments with no strings attached. You pick up a shift, complete it, and move on. This setup works well if you want variety, want to test out different practice environments, or simply prefer to control your schedule week by week.
Part-Time and Recurring Shifts
Some practices prefer working with the same hygienist on a regular basis—every Tuesday and Thursday, for example. Recurring arrangements give you more predictability while still offering flexibility compared to a traditional full-time role.
Full-Time Placements
Many staffing platforms also connect professionals with permanent positions. If you’re using temp work to explore your options, this can be a low-risk way to try out a practice before making a long-term commitment.
Where to Find High Paying Dental Hygiene Shifts
You have a few different paths for finding shift work, and each comes with its own trade-offs in terms of control, convenience, and pay.
Dental Staffing Marketplaces and Apps
App-based platforms let you browse available shifts, see the pay rate upfront, and book directly from your phone. You can filter by location, date, and compensation to find opportunities that fit your schedule. Platforms like GoTu handle payment, insurance, and communication, which takes the administrative hassle out of temp work.
Traditional Temp Agencies
Traditional agencies assign you to shifts based on what’s available and what they think fits. While this can work, you typically have less say over your schedule and may not know the pay rate until after you’ve been placed.
Direct Practice Connections
Some hygienists build their own network of offices and get called directly when coverage is needed. This approach can work, but it’s inconsistent. You also won’t have the protections, like malpractice coverage or cancellation guarantees, that platforms typically provide.
Where to Find High Paying Dental Hygiene Shifts
You have a few different paths for finding shift work, and each comes with its own trade-offs in terms of control, convenience, and pay.
Dental Staffing Marketplaces and Apps
App-based platforms let you browse available shifts, see the pay rate upfront, and book directly from your phone. You can filter by location, date, and compensation to find opportunities that fit your schedule. Platforms like GoTu handle payment, insurance, and communication, which takes the administrative hassle out of temp work.
Traditional Temp Agencies
Traditional agencies assign you to shifts based on what’s available and what they think fits. While this can work, you typically have less say over your schedule and may not know the pay rate until after you’ve been placed.
Direct Practice Connections
Some hygienists build their own network of offices and get called directly when coverage is needed. This approach can work, but it’s inconsistent. You also won’t have the protections, like malpractice coverage or cancellation guarantees, that platforms typically provide.
Requirements for Temporary Dental Hygienist Shifts
Getting started with shift work is straightforward, though you’ll want to have a few things in order before booking your first assignment.
State Licensing and Credentials
You’ll need an active registered dental hygienist (RDH) license in every state where you want to work. If you hold licenses in multiple states, you can expand your options by searching for shifts across all of them.
Experience and Specialty Certifications
Some practices prefer hygienists with specific experience—periodontal scaling, pediatric dentistry, or laser certification, for example. Having additional credentials can open up higher-paying opportunities and make your profile more attractive to offices looking for specialized help.
Verification and Documentation
Most platforms require you to upload your license, certifications, and sometimes proof of CPR training. Once your credentials are verified, you can start browsing and booking shifts right away.
Requirements for Temporary Dental Hygienist Shifts
Getting started with shift work is straightforward, though you’ll want to have a few things in order before booking your first assignment.
State Licensing and Credentials
You’ll need an active registered dental hygienist (RDH) license in every state where you want to work. If you hold licenses in multiple states, you can expand your options by searching for shifts across all of them.
Experience and Specialty Certifications
Some practices prefer hygienists with specific experience—periodontal scaling, pediatric dentistry, or laser certification, for example. Having additional credentials can open up higher-paying opportunities and make your profile more attractive to offices looking for specialized help.
Verification and Documentation
Most platforms require you to upload your license, certifications, and sometimes proof of CPR training. Once your credentials are verified, you can start browsing and booking shifts right away.
How to Start Picking Up Dental Hygiene Shifts
Ready to get going? Here’s the typical set up for finding and completing your first shift.
1. Create Your Professional Profile
Download the app or sign up online, then enter your credentials, work history, and any specialties. A complete profile helps practices understand what you bring to the table and increases your chances of getting booked.
2. Set Your Availability and Rate
Choose the days, times, and geographic areas where you’re willing to work. On platforms like GoTu, you can also set your preferred hourly rate so you only see shifts that meet your minimum.
3. Browse and Book Shifts
Search available shifts by date, location, and pay. When you find one that fits, apply or book directly through the platform. Some shifts fill quickly, so checking regularly helps you land the best opportunities.
4. Complete Shifts and Get Paid
Show up, do great work, and confirm your hours at the end of the day. Payment typically processes directly through the app, so you don’t have to chase down checks or wait on invoices.
Take Control of Your Dental Hygiene Schedule with GoTu
If you’re looking for a straightforward way to find high-paying dental hygiene shifts on your own terms, GoTu is built for exactly that. The platform connects you with practices that need coverage, lets you set your own rate, and handles the logistics so you can focus on patient care.
Every shift booked through GoTu includes malpractice coverage, cancellation protection within 96 hours, and guaranteed hours. You get paid directly through the app, and you’re never locked into a long-term commitment.
Browse available shifts and create your free profile with GoTu
