Locum tenens is an attractive option for healthcare providers looking to gain clinical experience, earn better pay, or have flexibility and less burnout in their careers. Others love locum tenens for the opportunity to travel and visit new places.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: You have significant control over your schedule, choosing when and where you work. This allows for more time off, travel, or a better balance with personal life. I have been tempted by taking a month off in the winter to go be a ski bum in the mountains; being a locum tenens dentist allows for this flexibility.
Higher Earning Potential: Locum dentists often have a higher hourly or daily pay rate compared to their permanent counterparts to compensate for the lack of benefits and job security. The daily pay can vary from $750-1500, and as I've built up a positive reputation, I've been able to ask for higher pay. You will need to build trust and confidence before asking for $1500 per day. I often times have a daily minimum and if allowed by the office, a 30-35% of production option.
Variety and Experience: Working in different practice settings exposes you to diverse patient populations, clinical techniques, and management styles, which can broaden your skills and professional network.
Reduced Administrative Burden: The agencies that staff locum tenens dentists often handle paperwork for licensing, credentialing, and billing, freeing you from these administrative tasks.
"Try Before You Buy": It can be a great way to experience different types of dental practices and locations before deciding to commit to a permanent position or even purchasing a practice.
Travel!!!: If you like to travel, this would be a great way to do it. Most contracts have reimbursed me for housing, mileage, and travel expenses.
Tax Write-offs: You can write off travel, dental licensing, CE costs, DEA fee, vehicle, phone bills, health insurance, malpractice insurance and more. As an associate, I was paying for most of these things myself.
Lack of Job Security: Assignments are temporary, so there's no guarantee of a steady income. You must be prepared for potential gaps between jobs and manage your finances carefully.
No Employee Benefits: As an independent contractor (1099 employee), you are responsible for your own health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and disability insurance.
Instability and Travel: While the ability to travel can be a pro, it can also be a con if you prefer a stable, local environment. You may spend a lot of time away from home and constantly adjusting to new locations and systems.
Patient Inconsistency: The temporary nature of the work means you often don't see patients for long-term care or follow-ups, which can be less fulfilling for some dentists.
Onboarding and Paperwork: Although agencies help, you still have to go through the credentialing and onboarding process for each new assignment, which can be time-consuming.
Brought to you by Gemini AI