Many dental practice owners face the same challenge: a key associate leaves unexpectedly, patient demand continues to grow, and finding a qualified replacement takes far longer than expected.
Meanwhile, large Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) seem to expand effortlessly, opening new locations and maintaining steady production despite constant staffing changes.
What’s their secret?
In many cases, the answer is locum tenens for dentists.
Rather than viewing temporary dental staffing as a last-resort solution, successful DSOs use locum tenens strategically to protect revenue, reduce hiring risks, and create scalable growth models.
The good news is that private practices can apply many of these same strategies. Let’s explore seven powerful ways leading dental organizations use locum tenens to stay ahead.
What Is Locum Tenens for Dentists?
Locum tenens dentists are licensed dental professionals who provide temporary clinical coverage for practices experiencing staffing gaps, growth periods, or recruitment transitions.
Assignments may range from a few days to several months and commonly support:
• Associate departures
• Maternity or medical leave
• Vacation coverage
• Practice acquisitions
• Expansion initiatives
• Recruitment delays
When used strategically, locum tenens staffing becomes much more than a temporary solution; it becomes a business growth tool.
Secret #1: They Focus on the Cost of Vacancy, Not the Cost of Coverage
Many practice owners hesitate when they see the daily rate associated with temporary staffing. However, leading DSOs evaluate a different number: the cost of an empty chair. An unfilled operatory can result in:
• Lost production
• Missed appointments
• Reduced patient retention
• Underutilized staff
• Lower profitability
The original article emphasizes that successful organizations view temporary coverage as an investment in maintaining production rather than an expense.
By keeping providers in chairs and schedules full, practices can continue generating revenue while recruiting permanent talent.
Secret #2: They Use Locum Tenens as a “Working Interview”
Hiring mistakes are expensive.
Traditional interviews often provide limited insight into how a candidate performs in a real clinical environment.
Leading DSOs frequently use locum tenens for dentists as an extended evaluation process. This approach allows practices to assess:
• Clinical skills
• Communication style
• Team compatibility
• Patient interactions
• Productivity levels
The original article describes this strategy as a practical way to evaluate candidates before making long-term commitments.
When the fit is right, temporary assignments can transition naturally into permanent opportunities.
Secret #3: They Scale Without Taking on Excessive Payroll Risk
Growth creates exciting opportunities, but also financial uncertainty.
Opening a new location or expanding services often requires additional providers before patient volume reaches full capacity.
Rather than immediately committing to full-time salaries and benefits, DSOs often rely on temporary staffing.
Benefits include:
• Flexible scheduling
• Controlled labor costs
• Reduced financial risk
• Faster market expansion
The original article highlights how temporary staffing allows organizations to align labor expenses with patient demand during growth phases.
Secret #4: They Test New Specialty Services Before Making Major Investments
Expanding specialty services can increase revenue and improve patient retention.
However, launching a new specialty often requires significant investment.
Leading organizations frequently use locum specialists to evaluate demand before making permanent commitments.
This strategy allows practices to test:
• Endodontics
• Oral surgery
• Periodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Other specialty services
As discussed in the original article, this approach helps practices determine whether patient demand supports long-term expansion.
Secret #5: They Protect Team Morale and Prevent Burnout
Staffing shortages impact more than production numbers.
When practices are understaffed, existing team members often absorb additional responsibilities, leading to:
• Burnout
• Reduced morale
• Increased turnover
• Lower productivity
Successful DSOs recognize that team stability is a valuable asset.
The original article notes that temporary coverage helps maintain workflows while reducing stress on existing staff.
Protecting employees ultimately supports both patient care and long-term profitability.
Secret #6: They Use Temporary Staffing During Practice Transitions
Acquisitions, ownership changes, and leadership transitions can create uncertainty for both patients and staff.
Locum tenens professionals often provide continuity during these periods.
Benefits include:
• Consistent patient care
• Reduced patient attrition
• Operational stability
• Smoother transitions
The original article describes how experienced locum providers help maintain confidence and continuity during practice acquisitions and ownership changes.
Secret #7: They Partner With Dental Staffing Experts
Perhaps the most important lesson is that successful organizations rarely handle staffing alone.
Instead, they partner with specialized recruitment and staffing firms that provide:
• Candidate sourcing
• Credential verification
• Vetting and screening
• Temporary placements
• Permanent recruitment support
The original article emphasizes that outsourcing talent acquisition allows dental leaders to focus on clinical care and business growth.
A reliable staffing partner helps practices respond quickly to changing workforce needs.
Why Locum Tenens for Dentists Is More Important Than Ever
The dental workforce continues to face challenges, including:
• Provider shortages
• Increased patient demand
• Competitive hiring markets
• Workforce mobility
Practices that rely solely on traditional recruitment methods may struggle to remain competitive.
By incorporating locum tenens for dentists into a broader staffing strategy, practices gain greater flexibility and resilience.
The original article encourages practice owners to think strategically about staffing rather than relying on outdated hiring methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a locum tenens dentist?
A locum tenens dentist is a licensed dental professional who provides temporary clinical coverage for a dental practice.
How long do locum tenens assignments last?
Assignments can range from a single day to several months depending on staffing needs.
Can locum tenens dentists become permanent employees?
Yes. Many practices use temporary assignments as a way to evaluate candidates before extending permanent offers.
Are locum tenens dentists experienced professionals?
Most locum providers have significant clinical experience and undergo credential verification before placement.
Is locum tenens staffing cost-effective?
Maintaining production and preventing patient attrition often makes temporary coverage a financially sound investment.
When should a practice use locum tenens staffing?
Common situations include associate departures, medical leave, vacations, growth initiatives, and recruitment delays.
Final Thoughts
The most successful dental organizations don’t view staffing as a reactive process—they treat it as a strategic advantage.
By using locum tenens for dentists to maintain production, evaluate candidates, support growth, and protect team morale, DSOs have created scalable staffing models that support long-term success.
Private practices can apply these same strategies to improve flexibility, strengthen operations, and compete more effectively in today’s dental marketplace.
For additional workforce insights and industry resources, visit the American Dental Association at https://www.ada.org/.
Ready to Build a Smarter Staffing Strategy?
At RSMC Services, we help dental practices nationwide access highly qualified locum tenens providers, temporary staffing solutions, and permanent recruitment services.
Whether you need immediate coverage, support during expansion, or a long-term hiring strategy, our experienced team can help you maintain production and achieve your growth goals.
Stop letting staffing gaps slow your practice down. Start building a workforce strategy designed for long-term success.
Phone: (650) 447-1527
Email: careers@rsmcservices.com
Website: rsmcservices.com
Your next great provider and your next stage of growth could be just one conversation away.