Ask a Pro: Tackle anxiety before taking on a new temp position
Question: I’m a semi new grad. I’ve been working for a little more than a year as a dental hygienist. I’m thinking about doing some temp work on weekends. I’m very comfortable at my current office, so I’m feeling a little nervous about branching out and committing to a full day of patients somewhere new. How do I get over this anxiety and prepare to make the best of it?
Answer from Kimberly Augustus, BA, RDH: First, I want to acknowledge that stepping into a new environment can feel intimidating; it's normal to feel anxious! It’s a bit like a cook walking into a new kitchen. They know how to cook but figuring out where everything is, and the flow of the kitchen, can feel overwhelming. The good news is, the actual task of hygiene doesn’t change from office to office. You’ve mastered the core skills; now it’s about adapting to the new setting.
Strategies to confidently navigate temping
Prepare for the unknown: Walking into a new office can be scary, but temping is a great way to see what different practices are like. Each office runs a little differently—you might discover different approaches to protocols, new technologies, or workflows that you love (or don’t!).
Know your boundaries: You must know and communicate your boundaries clearly. Remember, it’s your license you are protecting. For example, if you’re asked to perform a prophy on a perio patient, or to treat someone who hasn't had x-rays in years, know what you are and are not comfortable doing. Set the expectation early that you’ll follow the best clinical practices you're comfortable with. It’s always possible that you walk into a situation that challenges your judgment.
Be selective: Like in any job, don’t hesitate to walk away if something feels off. I've temped off and on throughout my career, and only once have I had to leave an office midday. One of the great things about temping is the flexibility—if you don’t like an office, you’re not obligated to return. On the flip side, if you find a practice you love, you might get the opportunity to temp for them regularly. Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it’s absolutely OK to say no.
Stay organized: When temping, organization is your best friend. Make notes of important details such as staff names, software systems, and office protocols. This will make the day run more smoothly and will be especially helpful if you’re called back to that office in the future.
Discuss payment: Before you agree to work, it’s important to ask, “When can I expect to receive my pay?” Be clear about payment timelines and methods. A key piece of advice—never work under a 1099 as an independent contractor.
Get liability insurance: Liability insurance is essential for new grad and temp dental hygienists as this provides protection against potential for any incidents that could occur while working in various dental offices. This coverage is important but ultimately, you worked very hard for your license, and you should always protect it!
Temping can be a fantastic opportunity to expand your skills and gain confidence as a new grad. As long as you feel comfortable walking into new situations and you’re clear about your boundaries, temping can be a rewarding experience. Plus, you’ll gain insights into how different offices run, which can only help you in your career.
Remember, every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger roots in your career. Embrace each experience, learn from it, and allow yourself to blossom into the confident, capable hygienist you’re meant to be.
