Why Are Dental Hygiene Temp Jobs on the Rise?

For dental hygienists, temporary roles are appealing because they bring scheduling freedom. You decide when and where you work, making it easier to balance personal and professional goals.

Plus, working in various practices exposes you to different patient populations, treatment methods, and management styles, broadening your skill set and accelerating professional growth.

Thanks to tech advancements, it's easier than ever before to connect with dental offices in your area and find the right temporary placement for you.

How to Find High-Paying Temp Dental Hygienist Jobs

Keeping in mind the shortage of dental hygienists, there are many opportunities for temporary and permanent positions. Consider the strategies below for landing high-paying temporary roles.

Use Mobile Apps for Temp Work

Mobile staffing apps have reshaped how hygienists find temp openings. Platforms like Teero allow you to see all the available jobs in your area along with rates, so you can respond to new listings quickly.

To succeed with these apps:

• Set up a detailed profile.

• Check apps for fresh postings on a regular basis.

• Request opportunities when they fit your schedule.

Some apps allow you to set your own hourly rate, while others post rates you can negotiate. Payment methods vary—some apps pay you directly, while others route payment through the dental practice. For example, Teero pays you instantly as soon as you clock out. Plus, it classifies you as a W2 employee which simplifies taxes.

Work with Traditional Staffing Agencies

Staffing agencies act as intermediaries, offering:

• Exclusive job listings.

• Assistance with rate negotiations.

• Help with contracts and placement details.

• Screening of practices to ensure suitability.

Keep in mind that these agencies usually charge fees or take a cut of your earnings.

Network Locally and Online

Networking is a powerful way to uncover higher-paying temp opportunities. You could:

• Join local dental groups.

• Attend industry events.

• Keep your LinkedIn active.

• Connect with fellow hygienists for leads.

• Follow dental Facebook groups.

This approach takes time but can pay off with referral-based opportunities that aren’t publicly posted.

Direct Outreach to Dental Practices

Contacting practices before they advertise can reveal hidden openings. This method lets you:

• Build relationships with office managers.

• Negotiate pay and schedules directly.

• Develop a roster of repeat clients.

• Learn about upcoming temp needs.

For best results:

• Draft a professional introduction email.

• Track each practice you contact.

• Follow up periodically.

• Keep a database of practice preferences.

• Be proactive and introduce yourself to offices in your area.

Use multiple methods for a rounded job search and track which tactics work best in your area.

Requirements and Qualifications for Temp Dental Hygiene Jobs

Temp dental hygiene roles call for specific certifications and credentials. Below is a breakdown of the most important requirements.

Required Certifications

• Valid dental hygiene license in the state where you plan to work

• Completion of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

• Passing results on state or regional clinical board exams

• Current CPR certification

• Any additional state requirements, such as the Washington State Drug and Law exam if working in Washington

For those interested in working across state lines, understanding license portability for hygienists is essential.

Experience Levels

Your experience level impacts the pay you command and the roles you qualify for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of dental hygienists is $87,530, with more experienced hygienists earning more. Common experience categories include:

• Entry-Level: New graduates with valid licenses, possibly receiving on-the-job training.

• Mid-Level: 1-3 years of experience, strong patient and procedural skills.

• Advanced: 3+ years of experience, often including specialty areas like pediatric or periodontal hygiene.

Professional Requirements

To qualify for temp opportunities, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Professional liability insurance (often required by employers)

• Continuing education credits (vary by state)

• Background checks (commonly requested by practices)

• Adaptability to different office protocols, software, and equipment

License renewals typically occur every 1-3 years, depending on your state’s regulations. Check with your state dental board or the American Dental Hygienists’ Association for state-specific regulations.

Find Your Next Temp Opportunity

The dental industry is changing, and temporary dental hygiene positions reflect that shift.

As discussed, you have several avenues for finding temp jobs—direct outreach, staffing agencies, and mobile apps. Each one can help you discover positions that align with your goals and preferences.

Ready to explore these opportunities? Start with Teero. Our platform helps you find and secure flexible dental hygienist jobs that match your desired schedule and compensation. Download the Teero app today and take charge of your professional future.