Your First Day as a Dental Temp: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your first dental temp shift can feel nerve-wracking. You are walking into an unfamiliar office, working with a team you have never met, and expected to perform at a high level from the start. Here is how to set yourself up for success.

Before Your Shift: Preparation Checklist

Preparation starts the night before. Having everything ready reduces stress and helps you arrive confident.

What to Bring

Your credentials: Bring copies of your license, CPR certification, and any specialty certifications. Some offices may ask to verify these.
Personal protective equipment: Loupes, safety glasses, and comfortable scrubs. Some offices provide scrubs, but have your own ready just in case.
Your own instruments: If you have preferred scalers, curettes, or other tools, bring them. Many hygienists prefer their own instruments.
Lunch and snacks: Do not assume the office has a break room with food available. Bring what you need.
A positive attitude: First impressions matter. Walk in ready to be helpful and adaptable.

Research the Office

If possible, look up the practice online before your shift. Check their website and reviews to get a sense of their patient base, services offered, and office culture. Knowing whether you are walking into a pediatric practice versus a periodontal specialty office helps you prepare mentally.

Arriving at the Office

Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. This gives you time to:

Find parking and locate the entrance
Introduce yourself to the office manager or lead assistant
Get a quick tour of the operatory, sterilization area, and supply locations
Learn the practice management software basics
Review the day's schedule and patient notes

Pro Tip:

Ask where things are before you need them. Knowing the location of supplies, X-ray sensors, and emergency equipment upfront saves time and reduces awkward moments during patient care.

During Your Shift

Communicate Proactively

Every office has its own way of doing things. When in doubt, ask. It is better to clarify protocols upfront than to assume and make mistakes. Questions like these are perfectly acceptable:

"What charting system do you use?"
"Where do you keep the prophy paste and fluoride?"
"What is your protocol for scheduling the next appointment?"
"Who should I go to if I have questions during a procedure?"

Be Flexible

Offices may do things differently than what you are used to. Resist the urge to say "at my other office, we do it this way." Adapt to their workflow for the day, and save suggestions for a future conversation if you build an ongoing relationship.

Document Everything

Chart thoroughly and accurately. Your notes protect both you and the practice. If you are unsure about the charting format, ask to see an example from a previous patient visit.

Common First-Day Challenges

Unfamiliar software: Most practices use Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental. If you do not know their system, ask for a 5-minute overview before your first patient.
Different equipment: Ultrasonic scalers, X-ray systems, and sterilization equipment vary by office. Take a moment to familiarize yourself before diving in.
Office dynamics: You may sense tension or cliques among staff. Stay neutral, focus on your work, and be friendly to everyone.
Running behind: Schedules slip. If you are running late, communicate with the front desk so they can manage patient expectations.

After Your Shift

Clean your operatory: Leave it better than you found it. This makes a great impression.
Thank the team: A simple "thanks for having me" goes a long way.
Complete any platform requirements: Log your hours, submit timesheets, and provide any required documentation through the staffing app.
Reflect on the experience: Would you work here again? Make notes for yourself about what went well and what you would do differently.

Building Your Reputation:

Offices talk to each other, and staffing platforms track reviews. Showing up on time, being professional, and delivering quality care builds your reputation quickly. A few great shifts can lead to repeat bookings and preferred status with offices you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Your first temp shift is a learning experience. Even seasoned dental professionals feel some nerves when walking into a new environment. The key is preparation, communication, and adaptability. Each shift gets easier as you build confidence and learn what works for you.

Remember: the office chose to book you because they need help. They want you to succeed just as much as you do.