What To Ask before Temping as a Dental Hygienist
I’ve been temping each week for the last few months. I’ve always filled in locally here and there during school breaks and when it worked out with my schedule. However, working each week in a new office has been a great experience to see what is out in my area on treatments, spaces, etc, but also learn new skills, softwares, and conversations. As I’ve been navigating this temping world (Full time temps are the real MVP), I’ve picked up a few things that I like to ask before even working there the first day to make the clinical day run a bit smoother. Here is my list of things to ask:
If they have overhead lights. Now, many new offices or rebuilds are taking out their overhead dental lights since so many providers wear a loupe and light combo. However, some still do not. If you’re temping, you’ll definitely want to know if there isn’t an overhead light available if relying on it. As a side note- if you’re thinking of temping or looking for a new job, it might be a good time to look into purchasing a headlamp even if you don’t want to wear loupes. We reviewed an Amazon light if that’s an option you’re thinking about.
What software they use. Each practice uses their own practice management software and usually loves it. Knowing before what you’re getting into will either take away the unknown anxiety of what you’re getting yourself into by confirming you already know it, or giving you time to do a bit of research on how to do simple tasks before your temp day. Bring a little notebook to write some notes as they give you directions through the software morning of.
What color they wear. Honestly, you’ll probably be okay wearing black to each temp job since so many offices wear black every day. In my experience of temping, only 1 office in the last 4 months has not worn black daily. However, some do other colors based on their brand colors and some wear specific colors each day of the week. You definitely don’t have to go out and purchase a scrub to match, but if you have the color on hand, it’s great to be part of the team by something visible like color.
The address of the office. I know that seems pretty straightforward, but actually pay attention to the address before the morning of. I worked at an office a few weeks ago that was in a new part of town and really had nothing around it. So, me planning on running out to grab some lunch wasn’t feasible, since there wasn’t anything close! If you are planning on grabbing lunch out, do a quick Map search beforehand to make sure there are options for you.
You require a full day pay. Maybe this isn’t a question, but more of a statement to let them know your expectations. I’ve had a few temp days recently that the day has “fallen apart” and my hours as the fill in have been cut. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that conversation beforehand and was planning on a full day of pay, when in actuality, I ended up getting only a few hours or a complete day off. If that conversation makes you uncomfortable (and honestly, money conversations are the worst), consider temping through an agency or an online company that sets a contract and pays you for your set hours, no matter how many hours you work.
Do you temp in your area? What are you seeing/experiencing as you temp?
Xoxo, Melia @meliardh