Pros and Cons of Being a Locum Dentist in the UK

Considering a career as a locum dentist in the UK? Whether you’re looking for greater flexibility, more variety in your work, or a better work-life balance, going locum can be a fantastic option — but it's not without its challenges.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of working as a locum dentist to help you decide if this career path is right for you.

Pros of Being a Locum Dentist

1. Flexibility and Control

One of the biggest draws of locum work is the freedom it offers. You can choose when, where, and how often you work — perfect for those who want to travel, study, or enjoy more personal time.

Working with Opal Dental Locums, you can select shifts that fit around your lifestyle and preferences.

2. Variety of Experience

As a locum, you’ll work across a range of dental practices — NHS, private, and mixed — gaining exposure to different systems, teams, and patient demographics. This variety keeps the work fresh and can rapidly broaden your clinical experience.

3. Potential for Higher Earnings

Depending on your skills, availability, and willingness to travel, locum dentists often enjoy competitive day rates. Some roles in high-demand areas may pay significantly more than permanent positions.

4. Less Administrative Pressure

In most cases, locums aren’t burdened with the same admin responsibilities as permanent staff. You can focus on treating patients without the extra paperwork, team management, or practice politics.

5. Opportunities Across the UK

With a good locum agency, you can access job opportunities nationwide. Whether you want to work locally or explore new cities, the options are there.

Opal Dental Locums offers placements across the UK, with ongoing support and regular shifts available.

Cons of Being a Locum Dentist

1. Lack of Job Security

Locum work is inherently temporary. While it’s possible to build long-term relationships with practices, there’s no guaranteed income or continuity unless you plan your schedule in advance.

2. No Employee Benefits

As a self-employed locum, you won’t receive sick pay, holiday pay, or a pension. You’ll need to manage your own finances and ensure you set aside time and money for things like CPD and insurance.

3. Can Be Isolating

Moving between practices can mean you miss out on the camaraderie and team spirit that comes with a permanent role. It may take time to adapt to different environments and make new connections regularly.

4. Inconsistent Workload

There may be times when work slows down — especially around holidays — which can lead to gaps in income. Having a reliable agency and being flexible can help reduce this risk.

5. Less Familiarity With Each Practice

Each practice will have its own systems, software, and workflows. Constantly adapting can be challenging, especially if training is limited or expectations aren’t clearly communicated in advance.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a locum dentist in the UK can be an incredibly rewarding and great career move, especially for those who value independence, flexibility, and variety. However, it does come with its own set of challenges — particularly around job security and benefits.

If you’re considering going locum, working with a supportive, transparent agency makes all the difference. At Opal Dental Locums, we’re committed to helping dental professionals find the right roles, stay supported, and succeed on their own terms.

Thinking about making the leap into locum dentistry? Get in touch and let’s chat about how we can support your journey.