If you’re a dental professional weighing your options, you’re in the right place. With demand for dental talent at an all-time high, more professionals are asking whether it makes more sense to stick with a steady full-time role or lean into the flexibility (and often higher pay) of temping.
In this blog, we’ll break down how both paths stack up, so you can decide what works best for you and your goals.
Dental Temping: High Pay, High Demand
The dental workforce shortage isn’t slowing down, and that’s creating new opportunities for dental professionals who want more flexibility and higher earnings.
Average Temp Rates By Role:
- Dental Hygienists: $45 – $55 / hr
- Dental Assistants: $20 – $30 / hr
- Front Desk: $18 – $28 / hr
- Associate Dentist: $70 – 90 / hr
While offices typically use temps for last-minute call-outs or gaps in coverage, they are willing to pay a premium to keep their schedule filled and patients happy. Plus, on platforms like GoTu, professionals can view the pay upfront and even counter the rate before applying for a shift.
Full Time: Stability, With Less Flexibility
Full-time roles remain the most common path in dentistry, and for good reason. They offer stability, benefits, consistency, and long-term growth opportunities that many professionals value.
Average Hourly Rate By Role:
- Dental Hygienists: $35-$45
- Dental Assistants: $17-$27
- Front Desk: $16 – $26
- Associate Dentist: $40-$80
The hourly pay may be lower than temping, but for professionals who prioritize routine and benefits, full-time work can be a very appealing choice.
Dental Temping vs. Full-Time: A Side-by-Side Look
| Feature | Temping | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Per Hour | Higher | Lower |
| Benefits | Not guaranteed, but offset by higher earnings | Usually included (health, PTO, etc.) |
| Flexibility | Pick your shifts, work when and where you want | Fixed schedule and hours |
| Job Stability | Depends on demand, but easy to fill your week | Steady paycheck from one office |
| Variety | Work at different offices and expand your skills | Build relationships in one environment |
| Professional Development | Learn by experience in real-time environments | Structured growth through one practice |
| Control Over Career | Full control of your schedule, rate, and pace | Limited flexibility, more tied to employer |
| Work-Life Balance | Create a schedule that fits your life | May require sacrificing flexibility |
So…Which One Is Better?
One of the best parts about working in dentistry today is the freedom to build a career that fits your life. You can temp full time, commit to a permanent position, or mix and match to get the best of both worlds. There is no right or wrong path. It all depends on what works best for you.
Temping might be for you if you..
- Want to earn more in less time
- Prefer flexibility and control
- Like working in new offices and environments
- Need something to work around your life obligations (school, childcare, etc,0
Full-time might be for you if you…
- Want stability, benefits, and a consistent paycheck
- Enjoy building long-term relationships
- Are looking for structured growth
- Prefer a predictable schedule
If you’re weighing your options between temping and working full-time, just know that you don’t have to choose. Plenty of professionals pick up temp shifts around their full-time role to boost their income, test out new offices, or ease into a transition. With GoTu, you can work the way you want and adjust as life changes.
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