Dental hygienists who work as temps are becoming more common. Many hygienists turn to temping as a way to feel empowered with the how, when, and where they work. Temps can choose the days and times to work due to the high demand for hygienists, which gives us more freedom of choice in many ways.
However, this does not excuse any lackadaisical behavior while at a temp job, nor does it mean hygienists should not display the highest level of integrity and professionalism at every single office where they provide temping services.
A while back, I wrote an article providing some great examples of how to best prepare for an awesome temping day, which you can find here. While I realize this may seem a little uncouth to do, I thought it might be just as important to address those objectionable little habits that we may have been guilty of at one point or another while temping in other offices.
May I politely suggest that we step up to the dental plate and do right by our profession as a whole? We need to represent each other even more so these days while we fight for our rights and to work at the top of our scope of practice.
Below, you will find a list of questions to ask yourself if you’d like to make a good impression and be asked to come back, time and time again. I implore you to read with an open mind and know that we are all human after all, and all have room for healthy growth in our professional lives.
Did you…
1) Arrive late?
We’ve all been late. Sometimes, it just can’t be helped. However, try to plan ahead and account for traffic or getting lost on the way. Get there ahead of the door even being open. Scroll through your favorite social media or play a game on your phone if you have extra time. Arriving early will ensure you won’t be in a panic starting off the day due to tardiness.
If you run late, try to call the office as soon as possible, apologize, and explain why. Most offices will appreciate your efforts and consideration.
2) Wear wrinkled scrubs or dirty shoes?
Last week’s prophy paste on your pair of Nikes? Pack your scrubs in a messy ball to just throw on upon arrival? Messy hair, dirty nails with chipped nail polish, and a disheveled appearance overall? We need to represent ourselves as neat and professional in appearance if we want colleagues and patients to take us seriously.
3) Expect the office to supply your special-sized PPE?
A good rule of thumb would be to ask in advance what to bring and any protocols in place you should abide by. Perhaps supply your own face shield, eye protection, or special-sized gloves or disposable gowns and take them with you to various offices you temp for.
If a temp has “special” sizes or needs, perhaps asking in advance if the items are available would help.
Editor’s note: All dental professionals, including temps, are required by OSHA to be provided proper PPE; this article does not suggest otherwise. . This article suggests that you reach out to an office before your day of temping, if necessary, to ensure they have your specific-sized gloves, gown/lab coat, and other essential PPE to be on the safe side. If you prefer left-right fitted gloves or a specific face shield that fits over your loupes, for example, bringing your own might be a good idea because an office would be hard-pressed to procure these items last minute to accommodate you.
4) Make demands of other staff?
Don’t treat the assistants, front office team, or other team members like they are “less than” and act like you “saved the day” by gracing the office with your awesome appearance and super cape on.
For example, do you demand the assistant to take radiographs or turn the operatory over for you? When you bring your patient to the front desk to check out, do you speak in a demeaning tone to the front desk team?
Consider everyone as an equal and treat others with respect. In other words, be humble.
5) Sterilize your own instruments?
Unless expressly told to leave used instrument trays in a certain area for a sterilization assistant to take care of, do your best to at least get the process started because we all know how quickly it adds up. If sterilization gets behind, no one has what they need halfway through the day. Maybe even help others with their instruments if you have an unexpected cancellation or open time.
If the office seems to be lacking in the “infection control protocols” department, perhaps consider not temping for that office again and moving on to a more fitting one. We need to be on top of our game regarding infection control, as this is definitely not an area to be slacking on, which I’m sure we can all agree on.
6) Make “friendly suggestions” on how to improve systems?
My Achilles’ heel! I love to reorganize, use time efficiently, and find new and improved systems that I feel will work well. However, as a temp, you are there to treat patients, not reorganize and point out potential flaws in their systems. If you are like me, it can be hard to stay button-lipped but trust me when I say it’s better that you do.
On the other hand, instead of pointing out flaws with no solution, if you have a sure-fire solution to an issue, that may be appropriate to suggest.
7) Remember to write chart notes?
The next hygienist needs to know what treatment was rendered, the patient’s concerns, and how the treatment plan is coming along. Proper documentation is imperative and must be done.
8) Clean and restock the operatory?
Did you wipe down absolutely everything, including the footrest of the patient chair? Did you raise the chair for the night-time cleaners at the end of the day? Is the operatory how you found it? Set the next hygienist up for success, just the way you’d want it if the tables were turned.
Again, do not reorganize drawers or move things out of place without returning them to their usual spot. This will drive the permanent hygienist absolutely nuts when they return.
9) Ask the rest of team if they need help during any downtime, especially at the end of the day?
They may politely decline or gratefully hand you a list of duties that would really ease the burden of end-of-day shut-down. Believe me when I say you will be remembered for this and repeatedly asked to return!
10) Say thank you?
It only takes a minute to say thank you, as showing your appreciation will go a very long way.
Most dental offices are so appreciative of the temp “coming to the rescue” that they will make an extra effort to make your day go smoothly. Some offices may even designate one or two team members to assist and check in periodically to ensure you have what you need.
While that isn’t always the case, perhaps because of a last-minute schedule change or a disorganized office, it’s always best practice to stay as professional as possible and be as easygoing as you can be. After all, it’s stressful for the office, too, and the last thing they need is a temp hygienist with an entitled attitude, right?
Simply do your best with the resources given to you and leave with a smile because that is our trademark. It’s up to you if you want to return again, but always let them see you shine!
