Dental News - The temporary dilemma

Angie Stone, RDH, BS

Mon. 3 January 2011

save

Across the United States, full-time hygiene positions are difficult to come by for the unemployed hygienist. This situation leads many hygienists to rely on working in an office only a couple days a week. If there are not enough hours available, other hygienists are forced into being a “fill in” or “temporary” hygienist for an office.

While some hygienists prefer to work as a temporary worker, the greatest share of hygienists would prefer to have an office to call their work home.

Temping has many pros and cons. On the up side, the hygienist has the ability to choose when and where she wants to work. If a requested day does not work into her schedule or if the location is too far away from home, she can decline the day.

Filling in also provides an opportunity to see how the office operates without having to commit to a permanent position. There is no need to return to an undesirable office situation. Working in many different offices exposes the temporary worker to different equipment, products, technology, etc. This is a great opportunity to learn new things.

On the other side, it can be difficult to provide a high-quality dental hygiene experience to patients when temping. When a hygienist is not accustomed to the equipment, supplies and office environment, the focus of the appointment can land on these issues when the focus should be on the patient. In addition, difficulties can arise if the office is not practicing to the same standard of care the hygienist is familiar with.

In this situation, should the hygienist practice in his usual fashion or should he fall in line with how the temporary office operates? This has the potential to be a dilemma for the hygienist. On one hand, there is a standard of care that needs to be met.

On the other hand, the office has its standard and is likely not going to appreciate a different approach. In order to keep a temporary position, the hygienist may feel the need to comply with standing office procedures. Keeping a job in this job climate is of ultimate importance, but so is standard of care.

Many hygienists have been in “the temporary dilemma.” I welcome your feedback on how our readers handle this situation. Contact me at a.stone@dental-tribune.com.

To post a reply please login or register

The career dilemma for graduating residents: Academe or private practice

There are compelling advantages to both private practice and academics. For each graduating resident, career decisions come down to determining which ...

Bisco launches Pro-V C&B temporary crown and bridge material

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Here at the 2018 Greater New York Dental Meeting, Bisco Dental Products is launching Pro-V C&B temporary crown and bridge material, ...

Roydent reports strong sales for REFORM temporary crown and bridge material

JOHNSON CITY, TN and NEW YORK, NY, USA: Roydent Dental Products is reporting continued sales growth with its REFORM temporary crown and bridge material. ...

The sand, the sea and the ACP

The American College of Prosthodontists is taking Southwest Florida by storm from Wednesday through Saturday. The JW Marriott Marco Island will host this ...

Save the Date for the Florida Dental Convention

Get ready to take your dental practice to the next level! Register today for the 2025 Florida Dental Convention (FDC2025). FDC2025 will take place June ...

“The beauty of the Midwinter Meeting lies in the range and depth of its scientific programme”

Known for its expansive scientific programme and wide-ranging opportunities for professional growth, the Midwinter Meeting continues to attract a global ...

“The ICD has given me the unique opportunity to meet talented dentists from around the world”

The International College of Dentists (ICD) is an organisation of distinguished dentists dedicated to fostering professional camaraderie, supporting ...

Registration for the historic 160^th Midwinter Meeting is now open

CHICAGO, US: The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) has recently announced its speaker line-up for the upcoming 160th Midwinter Meeting, taking place at the ...

Orthodontic innovations take the stage in the AAO Annual Session exhibit hall

Want to learn about award winning innovations and gain information needed for decision-making for your practice? Stop by the Innovation Pavilion in the AAO ...

First Odne Summit marks the successful completion of the priority access programme for OdneClean

GETTYSBURG, Pa., US: The Swiss medical device startup Odne just recently held its first online summit to disseminate new scientific and clinical knowledge ...

Education

Live webinar
Wed. 1 October 2025
1:00 PM EST (New York)