Bringing in temporary dental coverage isn’t just a stopgap solution; it’s a strategic move that can keep your practice thriving while protecting your team from burnout and your patients from disruption.
Let’s face it: running a dental practice is a balancing act. Between managing patient care, keeping your team happy, and ensuring the books stay in the black, there’s not much room for unexpected absences. But life happens, vacations, maternity leave, medical emergencies, or even a sudden resignation can leave you scrambling to fill a chair.
That’s where the locum dentist comes in. If you’ve never worked with one before, you probably have questions. What exactly is a locum dentist? How do you find a good one? And is it really worth the in vestment?
We’ve got you covered. Here are 10 things every dental practice owner should know before bringing in temporary coverage.
1. So, What Is a Locum Dentist Anyway?
The term “locum tenens” comes from Latin, meaning “to hold the place of.” A locum tenens dentist is simply a licensed dental professional who temporarily fills in at your practice when your regular dentist is unavailable.
“Think of a locum dentist as your practice’s safety net,” says Dr. Marcus Chen, a dental practice consultant with over 15 years of experience. “They’re there to ensure your patients don’t experience gaps in care and your revenue stream doesn’t take a hit.”
Whether you need someone for a few days, a few weeks, or even several months, a dental locum tenens provider can step in and keep things running smoothly.
2. When Should You Consider Hiring One?
There are plenty of scenarios where a locum dentist makes sense:
• Planned absences: Vacations, continuing education, or maternity/paternity leave
• Unexpected emergencies: Illness, family emergencies, or accidents
• Staffing gaps: When you’re between permanent hires or experiencing high turnover
• Practice growth: When patient demand outpaces your current capacity
“Practices often wait until they’re in crisis mode to think about temporary staffing,” notes Jennifer Walsh, a healthcare staffing specialist. “But the smartest practice owners plan ahead and build relationships with staffing partners before they actually need them.”
3. What Can a Locum Dentist Actually Do?
Here’s some good news: a qualified locum dentist can handle pretty much everything your regular dentist does. This includes:
• Performing routine exams and cleanings
• Diagnosing and treating dental issues
• Supervising hygiene services
• Handling restorative procedures
• Managing emergency cases
And it’s not just general dentistry, locum dentists are available across multiple specialties, including pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
4. The Numbers Don’t Lie: Temporary Staffing Is Mainstream
If you’re worried that using a locum dentist is somehow “unusual” or a sign of instability, let us put that concern to rest. Approximately 90% of healthcare facilities in the U.S. use locum tenens providers at some point.
“This isn’t a niche solution anymore, it’s standard practice,” explains Dr. Chen. “The dental industry has embraced flexible staffing because it works. It keeps practices profitable and patients happy.”
5. Vetting Matters More Than You Think
Not all locum dentists are created equal, and bringing in someone who isn’t properly vetted can create more problems than it solves. Before you hire anyone, you’ll want to verify:
• Valid state licensure and credentials
• Professional liability insurance
• Clinical references (at least two)
• Background checks and work history
“At RSMC, we handle all of this before a candidate ever reaches your practice,” says Constance Moonzwe, Chief Talent Officer at RSMC Services, Inc. “Our vetting process is thorough because we know your reputation is on the line. We check credentials, verify references, and ensure every locum we place is ready to deliver quality care from day one.”
6. How Does It Help Maintain Production?
Here’s a scenario we see all the time: a dentist takes a two-week vacation, and the practice just… clos es. No production. No revenue. Patients get rescheduled or, worse, go somewhere else.
With a locum dentist, your chairs stay full. Your hygienists keep working. Your front desk keeps booking appointments. And your revenue keeps flowing.
“Every day your practice sits idle, you’re losing money,” Walsh points out. “A locum dentist isn’t an expense, it’s an investment in continuity.”
7. It’s a Burnout Prevention Strategy
Burnout is a real issue in dentistry. Long hours, demanding patients, and the pressure to maintain production can take a toll on even the most dedicated providers.
Bringing in a locums tenens dentist periodically can give your permanent staff the breathing room they need. Whether it’s covering a much-needed vacation or lightening the load during a particularly busy season, temporary coverage can help your team stay fresh and engaged.
“We’ve seen practices completely transform their culture by using locums strategically,” says Moonzwe. “When your team knows they can actually take time off without the practice falling apart, morale goes through the roof.”
8. What About Patient Experience?
You might be wondering: will my patients be okay seeing a different dentist?
The short answer is yes: as long as you communicate clearly. Let patients know in advance that a qualified locum will be covering, reassure them about the continuity of their care, and make sure the locum has access to their records and treatment history.
“Patients are more understanding than most practice owners expect,” says Dr. Chen. “What they really care about is whether they can get an appointment when they need one and whether they’ll receive quality care. A good locum delivers on both.”
9. Get the Paperwork Right
Before your locum dentist starts, make sure you have a clear written agreement in place. This should cover:
• Duration of the assignment
• Scope of work and responsibilities
• Compensation and payment terms
• Employment status (independent contractor vs. employee)
• Liability and insurance requirements
Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings, legal headaches, or worse. Take the time to get it right upfront.
10. Partner With a Staffing Agency You Trust
Finding a great locum dentist on your own can be time-consuming and risky. That’s why many practices choose to work with a specialized dental staffing agency like RSMC Services.
“We’ve built a network of qualified, vetted dental professionals who are ready to step in when you need them,” says Moonzwe. “Our team handles the sourcing, screening, and logistics so you can focus on what you do best: running your practice and caring for patients.”
When you work with RSMC, you’re not just filling a gap. You’re gaining a partner who understands the unique challenges of dental staffing and is committed to finding the right fit for your practice.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you’re planning ahead for an upcoming absence or scrambling to cover an unexpected gap, RSMC Services is here to help. Our dental staffing solutions are designed to keep your practice running smoothly: no matter what life throws your way.
Have questions? Want to learn more about how a locum dentist can benefit your practice? Reach out to our team today:
Phone: +1 650-447-1527
Email: careers@rsmcservices.com
Don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode. Let’s talk about building a staffing strategy that works for your practice.