Temping as a dental professional offers flexibility, freedom, and the chance to shape your career on your own terms. However, like any job, temporary dental work presents unique challenges. Whether you’re picking up shifts as a dental hygienist, dental assistant, or dentist, knowing how to navigate temp dental jobs can make all the difference. That’s why we pulled together the best tips for temping, straight from real dental professionals who’ve shared their advice in online communities.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One of the best tips for temping is to ask plenty of questions, and with GoTu, you can even get a head start before you walk in the door. Confirm details like what software the office uses ahead of time, the preferred scrub color, or when your first patient is.
During your shift, don’t be afraid to ask questions about how the dentist likes their setup, what timeline they expect for appointments, and what they want you to check in on. Write down their preferences as you go; it shows you’re paying attention and makes it easier to get it right next time.
“…Ask LOTS of questions and don’t be afraid to do so. Dentists like answering questions about how they like their set-ups and what they expect for timelines and flow of appointments and how long they’d like you to take on certain appointments and questions they want you to ask. Make sure they see you writing it down– it shows you’re trying to commit it to memory and they love to see it.” – toothytoother on Reddit
Bring a “Temp Bag”
Plenty of temps recommend keeping a dedicated “go-bag” so you’re never caught off guard. One Facebook user shared that hers includes a med kit, clean clothes, a file folder with copies of her license, loupes, spare instruments, pens, a lunchbox, and even samples of hygiene products. That might sound like a lot, but having some kind of bag packed with essentials makes temping smoother and less stressful. Even if you boil it down to just the basics: scrubs, PPE, snacks, and paperwork, you’ll feel confident walking into any office.
Be Patient with Yourself
Walking into a new office means stepping into new routines, personalities, and dynamics, and that can feel overwhelming at first. Some Reddit users admit that temping left them stressed in the beginning, but with time, they learned to step back, give themselves grace, and not take every little hiccup personally. Remember, you’re there to help, not everything is perfect all the time. The more offices you experience, the easier it becomes to adapt quickly and find your rhythm.
Know the Nuances of Temping
If you spend any time in Reddit threads or Facebook groups, you’ll see plenty of debate about whether dental professionals can legally work as 1099 independent contractors. Some users even say it’s not allowed. The truth is, 1099 temping is a very common way professionals pick up shifts, but like most things, there are nuances. Rules can vary by state, and it’s important to understand how your state operates in terms of taxes, pay, and flexibility. If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide on 1099 rules for dental professionals
Make Time For Yourself
Temping gives you the flexibility to stack shifts when you want, but it also makes it tempting to say “yes” to everything. Many dental professionals in online groups admit they burned out quickly by overloading their schedules. The best advice? Protect your downtime just like you protect your work hours. Use your free time to rest, recharge, or do the things you enjoy outside of dentistry. A balanced schedule keeps you energized and helps you show up as your best self in every office.
Temping as a dental professional comes with its challenges, but it also opens the door to freedom, growth, and new opportunities. From packing a temp bag to asking the right questions, being patient with yourself, and understanding the nuances, these tips show that success is all about preparation and mindset.
The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Thousands of dental professionals share their experiences online, and platforms like GoTu make it easier than ever to find shifts that fit your lifestyle. Temping isn’t just about filling in; it’s about building a career on your own terms.
