Temping & PRN Work

Temping — filling in at offices on a per-day or as-needed (PRN) basis — is one of the perks that makes dental hygiene so flexible. It can be a full career strategy or an occasional supplement. Here’s how it actually works and how to decide if it’s for you.

How temping works

Offices need coverage when a regular hygienist is out sick, on leave, or during busy stretches. As a temp, you accept individual shifts — often through a staffing agency or a temping app, sometimes through your own network — and you’re typically paid an hourly or daily rate for that day’s work. You show up, deliver great care in an unfamiliar office, and move on.

The upsides

• Flexibility — you choose which days you work and can build a schedule around your life.
• Variety — you see many practice styles, technologies, and teams, which builds confidence fast.
• Often a strong hourly rate, since offices are paying for on-demand coverage.
• A low-pressure way to audition offices before committing to a permanent role.

The trade-offs

• Usually no benefits — health insurance, paid time off, and retirement are on you.
• Income can be unpredictable if you rely on it entirely.
• You’ll walk into unfamiliar operatories and charting systems and need to adapt quickly.
• Less continuity with patients, which some hygienists deeply miss.

New grads often temp to sample different offices before choosing where to settle; experienced hygienists use it for control over their schedule and income. Both are completely valid ways to build a career.

Set yourself up to temp well

Keep your license, CPR, and any required certifications current and easy to produce; understand your tax situation, since temp income is often reported differently than a salaried job; and treat every office like an audition — reliability and a good attitude are what turn a one-day fill-in into a standing invitation.