Temp Work vs. Permanent Jobs: Pros & Cons for Dental Professionals

In the dental industry, the number of people leaving the industry significantly outweighs the number of people entering the workforce. As the industry struggles with dental staffing shortages, many offices have embraced temp dental staff as an innovative solution. 

While permanent jobs can provide stability and relationship building, temporary work offers flexibility and professional growth. If you want the best of both worlds, the combination of temporary roles with a permanent position can help enhance your skills, build a strong professional network, and advance your career.

In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of working temp jobs as well as permanent jobs to help you decide the best plan for yourself 

Working Temp Jobs vs. Full Time For Dental Professionals

When it comes to pursuing a career in the dental industry, professionals have the choice between working temporary jobs or committing to full-time positions. Both paths offer unique benefits and considerations, allowing dental professionals to tailor their careers to their individual needs and goals.

While some individuals thrive with the flexibility and variety of temporary roles, others may value the stability and benefits that come with a full-time position. Keep in mind that you can easily switch from temp to perm and vice versa, exploring new opportunities and offices until you find the right fit.

Below is a quick overview of working temp jobs versus permanent jobs in the dental field.

Temping

Permanent Job

Flexibility and variety Exposure to diverse patient populations Greater flexibility around your work schedule Opportunity for skill expansion from exposure to diverse practices Wider range of dental professionals to expand your network Independence and autonomy Higher hourly rates can help supplement your income Opportunity for continuous learning Flexibility to choose the assignments you take on Enhanced problem-solving skills and adaptability

Stability and continuity Consistent work schedule and income Access to employee benefits (PTO, 401K, health insurance, etc.) Established patient and colleague relationships Long-term commitment Opportunity for specialization Contribution to practice growth Sense of belonging and teamwork Job security Opportunities for leadership roles Deeper understanding of practice dynamics Greater involvement in treatment planning

Pros and Cons of Temping

Temping as a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or any other type of dental staff offers more than just flexibility. Depending on your specific situation, it might mean being able to attend that school play in the middle of the day or paying off that student loan just a bit faster.

Many dental professionals in the GoTu community use our platform to supplement their income. Others have leveraged our platform to find unique temp-to-perm positions at dental practices with an amazing culture where they feel valued. 
Here are some pros and cons of working temp dental jobs for you to consider:

Pros

Cons

Flexibility in work schedule and assignments Exposure to different patient populations, treatment approaches, and dental settings Accelerated growth opportunities by experiencing various clinical scenarios and techniques Learn new software, systems, and protocols Keep up to date on the latest approaches to patient care Broaden your skill set and adaptability Potential for higher hourly rates or premium pay More opportunities to negotiate a better pay rate Opportunity to build a diverse network of dental professionals Potential for future job opportunities or recommendations Competitive wages Fills employment gaps in your resume

Inconsistent income Less opportunity for long-term patient relationships Potential for higher stress levels due to adjusting to new practices frequently Requires adaptability and quick adjustment to new work environments Potential for reduced access to continuing education and professional development resources Limited control over the location and specific practice in temporary assignments Lack of employee benefits Need to continuously seek new assignments or projects

The benefits of temping often make it an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility, growth, and a varied work experience. 

Pros and Cons of Working Full Time

Working as a full-time dental professional is an appealing choice for many individuals. While it may come with certain trade-offs, such as reduced flexibility, it does provide a stable and predictable income.

Many GoTu professionals have found their dream job through our dental recruiting services and continue to temp every once in a while to fund vacations, shopping sprees, and more. That way, they can earn extra cash by picking up shifts on their days off while ensuring they have a consistent paycheck coming in.

Here are some of the key considerations when choosing whether to work a full-time dental job:

Pros

Cons

Established routine and long-term job security Access to benefits such as PTO, healthcare, and retirement plans Long-term patient relationships and continuity of care Opportunities for specialization and career advancement Sense of belonging and teamwork within the practice May offer clear paths for career advancement within the organization Established income and potential for financial stability Access to resources for continuing education and professional development

Less flexibility in work schedule Potential workplace politics and bureaucracy Limited exposure to different practice environments Burnout Repetitive strain injuries and ergonomic challenges Limited work-life balance Potential for increased stress and pressure in managerial roles Less freedom to explore alternative career paths or work arrangements

Evaluating Which Option is Better for You

When evaluating whether temp work, full-time employment, or a combination of the two is the best option for you as a dental professional, consider the following factors: 

• Personal Priorities: Determine whether flexibility, work-life balance, or stability is most important to you at this stage of your life and career.
• Financial Considerations: Assess your financial obligations and determine whether temping, full-time work, or a combination of both aligns best with your needs.
• Career Goals and Aspirations: Evaluate whether you prioritize advancing into leadership and specialization roles or learning new techniques and software.
• Work Environment: Consider the work environment that best suits you. Do you prefer exposure to a variety of dental settings or the continuity of a single dental practice?
• Networking and Community Building: Assess whether temp work or full-time employment offers better networking opportunities for future career growth. 

Ultimately, the decision between working a temp job or pursuing a full-time position (or doing both!) depends on your individual preferences and goals. It is important to assess your personal and professional aspirations, consider your desired work-life balance, and evaluate the opportunities for growth and fulfillment in both options.

In conclusion, temporary and permanent jobs each have their own benefits and drawbacks. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career ambitions and leads to a gratifying dental professional journey.