Understanding the role of locum tenens dentists in your dental practice

What does locum tenens dentists mean?

“Locum tenens” comes from Latin which means “to hold the place of”. In dentistry, a  locum tenens dentist often temporarily fills in for a vacant dentist position.

Instead of leaving the patient without care or overwhelming the existing staff, a locum tenens dentist ensures continuity of treatment and keeps the dental practice running smoothly

Why are locum tenens dentists important?

Recognising the value of importance of locum tenens providers is essential for both dental practices and patients; here's why:

1. Provides continuity of care

When your dentist is on annual leave or resigns, hiring a locum tenens dentist means that you won't have to delay or cancel any appointments.

 By continuing ongoing care, it will increase the patient's experiences and satisfaction. 

2. Dental Practice stability

   
   

Temporary dental cover reduces the risk of lost income and helps maintain a full appointment book 

3. Career flexibility for dentists

For dental professionals, locum tenens roles provide freedom, variety and opportunities to explore different dental practice environments 

When should a dental practice use a Locum Tenens Dentist?

Locums are especially valuable in scenarios such as:

• Long term absences (Illnesses, maternity or paternity leave)

• Short term cover (annual leave, holidays, conferences)

• High patient demand during peak periods

• Recruitment transitions or when a dentist leaves unexpectedly  

• Dental Practice sales, mergers and acquisitions 

How dental nurse agencies help?

Finding the right locum dentist can be quite challenging and time consuming. This is where dental recruitment agencies like Opal Dental Locums play a key role. Agencies can assist you by:

• Matching locum dentists to practices based on needs and expectations 

• Verifying credentials and GDC registration  

• Providing contract tailored for short and long term cover

Working with a locum dental agency can save dental practices valuable time, ensures compliance and peace of mind that only trusted dent professionals are matched.

Benefits for Dentists Working Locum Assignments

It's not just dental practices that this benefits, dentists themselves can gain advantages from locum opportunities, and advantages include: 

• Flexibility over working hours and locations

• Exposure to different dental practice environments and patients bases 

• The chance to travel and work across the UK

How to Get Started with Locum Tenens Dentistry

For Dental Practices: 

• Partner with a reliable locum tenants dental agency 

• Ensure insurers and NHS contracts are informed of temporary cover 

• Communicate clearly with staff

For Dentists:

• Make sure your GDC registration and indemnity insurance is up to date

• Join a  trust locum dental agency like Opal Dental Locums

• Keep your CV and professional references current

Ready to keep your practice running smoothly or explore flexible career opportunities?

 At Opal Dental Locums, we specialise in connecting practices with qualified locum tenens dentists across the UK. Whether you’re a practice in need of reliable cover or a dentist looking for flexible assignments, our team is here to support you.

 Contact Opal Dental Locums today to find the perfect locum solution.