Ask a Pro: 7 ways to prepare for a dental hygiene temp position
Question: I’m temping for the first time next week and I admit, I’m nervous! What should I know before walking in the office?
Answer from Kimberly Augustus, BA, RDH: First of all, always remember that you’ve got this! I know walking into a brand-new office can feel overwhelming. But guess what? You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be prepared.
First, let’s make sure that you will be paid in the correct fashion. You are not a contractor. You are a licensed health-care professional, and you should be paid as such—with a W-2, not a 1099. This means taxes withheld, proper employer responsibilities … the whole nine yards. If an office tries to hand you a 1099, that’s a red flag, and you’re well within your rights to say, “Actually, I need to be paid as a W-2 employee.”
7 best ways to prepare for a temp job
Arrive at least 15 minutes early
This gives you time to breathe, scope out the setup, and avoid that constant chasing-your-tail feeling. Trust me, a calm start makes a huge difference.
Bring a mini notebook
This will help more than you know. Jot down login info, room numbers, names, or even what sterilization protocols are used. It’ll save your life midshaft when your brain feels like mush and will be an asset if you return to this office in the future.
Ask for a quick walk-through of your schedule and the operatory setup
Make sure your room is fully stocked. (Nothing like finding out mid-prophy that you're out of prophy paste.)
If you have downtime, don’t just scroll on your phone
Offer to help with sterilization, turning over rooms, confirming patients—whatever makes you part of the team. This shows that you are there as a team player and not just to collect a paycheck.
Keep your eyes open
Watch how the team communicates, how they support each other, and what kind of culture the office has. It tells you so much about whether it’s a place you want to return to, or not.
Say thank you often, and ask for help when you need it
People are usually more than happy to guide you, especially when you’re kind and humble. You don’t need to know everything, you just need to be open and eager.
Remember, the day may not be perfect
Temping is rarely perfect. But always try to walk away with something: a new skill, a new communication style you admired, or just knowing what kind of office you don’t want to work in. Every experience helps shape the hygienist you’re becoming.
