If you’re a dentist looking for more flexibility, less overhead stress, and maybe even a chance to see the country (or just play more golf), the idea of becoming a locum tenens dentist might be right up your alley. In the latest episode of Beyond Bitewings, we sat down with Shelby and Sarah from Barton Associates, the fourth-largest staffing agency in the U.S., to discuss the ins and outs of locum tenens for dental professionals.

Whether you’re a recent dental school graduate looking for experience, a mid-career dentist seeking variety, or a “kind-of-retired” dentist who wants to stay in the game on a part-time basis, locum tenens offers a unique way to practice on your terms. Here’s a look at what locum tenens is, who it’s best for, and how Barton Associates makes the whole process simple.

What is a Locum Tenens Dentist?

The term “locum tenens” is Latin for “to hold one’s place.” Essentially, locum tenens dentists step in to temporarily fill a spot at a dental practice, often when the regular dentist is out on leave, dealing with an emergency, or when a practice is short-staffed.

But locum tenens isn’t just for practices in a bind — it’s also a great option for dentists looking for a change of pace. You get to work on a schedule that fits your life while still earning an income. Plus, you can avoid many of the headaches that come with running a practice, like insurance paperwork and managing staff.

According to Shelby and Sarah from Barton Associates, there’s been a huge rise in dentists choosing this path, especially since COVID-19 brought on a wave of burnout. Locum tenens allows dentists to keep practicing their craft while cutting out a lot of the stress that full-time practice ownership can bring.

Who is Locum Tenens For?

The beauty of locum tenens is that it works for dentists at all stages of their careers. Here are a few groups who can benefit most:

1. Recent Dental School Graduates

Finding the “perfect” first job right out of school can be tough. Locum tenens gives new grads a chance to test the waters. You can work at different types of practices — private offices, DSOs, and community health clinics — and see which setting suits you best.

Why It’s a Win:

• Experience multiple practice settings without long-term commitments.
• Boost your resume and credentials while figuring out what kind of practice you want.
• Save time on job hunting — Barton Associates handles it for you.

2. Semi-Retired Dentists (A.K.A. “Not Ready to Call It Quits”)

If you’re a dentist who’s technically retired but still loves the craft, locum tenens could be your perfect “part-time retirement plan.” Many retired dentists aren’t ready to fully walk away but aren’t interested in the grind of owning or running a practice. Locum tenens lets you work when and where you want, without all the admin headaches.

Why It’s a Win:

• Stay in the game while working on your terms (not your office manager’s).
• Travel to new places for short assignments (and, yes, travel expenses are paid for).
• Some dentists even bring their pets, kids, and yes — even horses (yes, this actually happened) on assignments.

3. Full-Time Dentists Seeking Flexibility or Burnout Relief

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the business side of running a practice, locum tenens might be the breath of fresh air you need. It’s a chance to keep your clinical skills sharp without managing patient files, handling insurance paperwork, or leading a team of employees.

Why It’s a Win:

• Focus on patient care without managing the “business” of dentistry.
• Enjoy a more flexible schedule — work a few weeks on, then take a few weeks off.
• You can travel or stay close to home, depending on your preferences.

How Does It Work?

Curious about what the process looks like to become a locum tenens dentist? Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Reach Out to Barton Associates: You’ll chat with a recruiter like Shelby or Sarah, who will learn about your career goals, where you’d like to work, and what type of assignments you’re looking for.
2. Credentialing and Licensing: This is the “paperwork phase” where you provide your licenses, credentials, and other documents. Luckily, Barton has a whole team that handles this for you, saving you from those endless phone calls and email threads with licensing boards.
3. Find the Right Fit: Once everything is ready, Barton will connect you with open assignments that match your preferences — whether it’s a week-long gig in New Mexico or a 3-month stay at a DSO in California.
4. Start Working: You’ll travel (if necessary), get set up at the office, and get to work. Travel costs and accommodations are often included.
5. Get Paid: Barton pays you directly as an independent contractor. No awkward conversations with the dental office about payment.

Why Locum Tenens Could Be Better Than a Part-Time Associate Position

If you’ve considered picking up a part-time associate position at a local practice, you might think, “Why not just do that?” But as the podcast revealed, there are some big differences.

• Flexibility: Part-time associate roles often come with set schedules, while locum tenens offers more control over when and where you work.
• Fewer Complications: Some practices are hesitant to hire an associate who owns a practice of their own. Locum tenens eliminates that hesitation.
• Variety: Locum tenens dentists get to work in different practice settings — DSOs, community health clinics, private practices, and more.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a dentist craving freedom, flexibility, or just a chance to do what you love without the headaches of running a practice, locum tenens might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re looking for adventure, retirement balance, or a chance to sample different types of practice settings, locum tenens offers the chance to customize your dental career.

With support from Barton Associates, the process is simpler than you might think. And who knows — you could be golfing in a new state every weekend while getting paid to practice dentistry during the week.

Want to learn more? Check out the full Beyond Bitewings podcast episode and if locum tenens sounds like a good fit for you, reach out to Barton Associates to learn more.