I’ve seen this scenario play out more times than I can count.
A dentist suddenly takes medical leave.
An associate resigns with little notice.
A family emergency pulls a provider out of the schedule.
And suddenly, the office manager is staring at a calendar full of patients and no doctor to see them. The panic sets in quickly.
Phones are ringing.
Patients need appointments.
The hygiene schedule is packed.
And someone inevitably says:
“Let’s just find anyone available.”
That’s usually where the real problems begin.
Because while a locum tenens dentist can absolutely save your schedule, rushing into the wrong hire can create headaches that last much longer than the staffing gap itself.
The practices that navigate locum staffing successfully don’t treat it as an emergency. They treat it as a strategy.
The Biggest Mistake Practices Make
When a provider leaves unexpectedly, many practices immediately focus on filling the chair.
That sounds logical.
But filling the chair and protecting the practice are two very different things.
A rushed hire can create:
• Patient dissatisfaction
• Team frustration
• Billing complications
• Treatment planning inconsistencies
And in some cases, the cure becomes worse than the problem.
The goal isn’t simply finding a licensed dentist.
The goal is to find someone who can step into your environment without disrupting everything you’ve spent years building.
Credentialing Delays Can Become Expensive
One of the least exciting parts of hiring is also one of the most important.
Credentialing.
Many practice owners assume that once they find a locum dentist, they can immediately begin seeing patients.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always move that quickly.
Different carriers often have:
• Reporting requirements
• Documentation requirements
• Approval timelines
• Credentialing procedures
If this process isn’t addressed early, practices may face:
• Claim denials
• Reimbursement delays
• Patient confusion
• Revenue disruption
A dentist who isn’t properly credentialed may be producing work that becomes difficult to bill effectively.
That’s not staffing support.
That’s an expensive surprise.
Clinical Skill Isn’t Enough
This may be controversial, but it’s true:
The best clinician isn’t always the best fit.
A dentist can be technically exceptional and still struggle inside their practice. Why?
Because dentistry isn’t performed in a vacuum.
Every office develops its own:
• Treatment philosophy
• Patient communication style
• Clinical expectations
• Team culture
The article highlights the importance of evaluating whether a locum’s clinical approach aligns with the practice’s existing philosophy.
For example:
If your office typically favors conservative treatment planning and a temporary provider immediately recommends extensive treatment for every patient, confusion can spread quickly.
Patients notice.
Staff notice.
Trust becomes harder to maintain.
The Cost Conversation Is Often Misunderstood
Many owners experience sticker shock when reviewing locum rates.
And honestly?
The rates can look substantial.
Between:
• Daily compensation
• Travel expenses
• Lodging
• Malpractice coverage
The investment adds up.
But here’s the question that matters:
What’s the cost of doing nothing?
An empty chair often means:
• Lost production
• Delayed treatment
• Reduced patient access
• Lower case acceptance
• Increased patient attrition
A quality locum should protect revenue—not simply generate an expense.
The comparison isn’t between hiring and spending money.
It’s between hiring and losing money.
Your Team Determines Success
One of the most overlooked factors in locum success isn’t the dentist.
It’s the team supporting them.
Even the strongest temporary provider needs help understanding:
• Workflows
• Clinical systems
• Technology
• Documentation expectations
• Office procedures
The article recommends pairing a locum with an experienced team member who can help them navigate the practice efficiently.
Think of it as onboarding.
Not orientation.
A few hours invested upfront can prevent days of frustration later.
And when a temporary provider feels supported, productivity improves significantly.
The Best Practices Create Mini-Onboarding Systems
Many practices make the mistake of assuming a locum dentist can simply “figure it out.”
That’s rarely the most effective approach.
Instead, consider creating a structured introduction that includes:
Clinical Expectations
Discuss:
• Treatment planning philosophy
• Preferred materials
• Referral protocols
Technology Overview
Provide access to:
• EHR systems
• Imaging software
• Clinical templates
Operational Contacts
Make sure providers know:
• Who handles technology issues
• Who manages scheduling
• Who to contact for questions
According to the article, even a brief onboarding process dramatically improves the locum experience and minimizes disruptions.
Stop Looking for a Vendor
This is one of the most important lessons in modern dental staffing.
There is a difference between:
• A staffing vendor
• A staffing partner
Vendors send resumes.
Partners solve problems.
The article emphasizes the importance of working with organizations that evaluate more than licensure alone.
That includes:
• Cultural fit
• Clinical alignment
• Logistics management
• Ongoing support
Because a temporary hire who damages culture can create problems that linger long after the assignment ends.
Why Locum Tenens Is Becoming More Strategic
The old perception of locum staffing was simple:
Emergency coverage.
Today, it’s becoming much more sophisticated.
Forward-thinking practices use locum support to:
• Maintain continuity of care
• Support growth initiatives
• Navigate parental leave
• Cover vacations
• Reduce provider burnout
In many cases, locum staffing isn’t a sign of instability.
It’s a sign of proactive planning.
And planning is becoming one of the biggest competitive advantages in dental operations.
FAQs About Hiring a Locum Tenens Dentist
1. What is a locum tenens dentist?
A temporary dentist who provides clinical coverage during staffing gaps, leave periods, or transitions.
2. How quickly can a locum dentist start?
That depends on licensing, credentialing, payer requirements, and practice readiness. It is rarely immediate.
3. Why is credentialing so important?
Without proper credentialing, practices may experience claim denials and reimbursement delays.
4. Should practices focus only on clinical skill?
No. Cultural fit, treatment philosophy, and communication style are equally important.
5. Is hiring a locum dentist expensive?
The upfront cost may be significant, but an empty provider chair often costs practices far more in lost revenue and patient retention.
6. How can practices improve locum success?
Through proper onboarding, team support, clear expectations, and strategic staffing partnerships.
The Best Locum Hire Feels Temporary to Nobody
The most successful locum placements share one common characteristic:
Patients barely notice that a transition has happened.
The schedule continues.
The team stays productive.
Patients receive consistent care.
And the practice maintains momentum.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because the practice invested time in finding the right fit—not simply the fastest solution.
Need Locum Coverage Without the Chaos?
If your practice is facing an unexpected vacancy, provider leave, or staffing transition, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Whether you need:
• A locum tenens dentist
• Associate recruitment support
• Executive search services
• Long-term staffing strategy
We’re here to help.
Learn how strategic locum staffing protects production and patient retention
Explore customized dental staffing solutions designed for modern practices
Contact RSMC Services, Inc.
Phone: +1 650-447-1527
Email: careers@rsmcservices.com
Website: rsmcservices.com
Let’s help you fill the gap without creating new problems.