Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Locum Associate Dentist

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a talented and passionate Dentist looking for a flexible and rewarding opportunity? We are searching for a highly motivated Locum Associate Dentist to join a dynamic, patient-focused practice on a temporary basis. In this vital role, you will step in to provide seamless, high-quality dental care, ensuring our patients continue to receive the exceptional service they expect. You'll be responsible for a full range of dental procedures, from diagnostics and treatment planning to complex restorative and cosmetic work. This is an excellent chance to showcase your clinical expertise in a supportive environment while enjoying the flexibility that locum tenens work provides.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Dental School Graduate with an active state license
Associate Dentist from a private or corporate practice seeking more flexibility
Private Practice Owner looking for a change of pace or semi-retirement

Advancement To:

Long-term or Permanent Associate Position within the practice or network
Partnership or Ownership Opportunity
Multi-practice Locum Specialist with preferred status

Lateral Moves:

Dental Consultant for insurance or technology companies
Clinical Instructor or Academic Position
Public Health Dentist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive dental examinations for new and returning patients, diagnosing dental conditions and pathologies with precision.
Develop and articulate clear, detailed, and phased treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and financial considerations.
Execute a wide spectrum of restorative dental procedures, including composite fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges, using modern materials and techniques.
Provide expert endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) on both anterior and posterior teeth, utilizing rotary instrumentation and contemporary obturation methods.
Perform simple and surgical tooth extractions, manage associated complications, and provide clear post-operative instructions.
Deliver high-quality cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic bonding to enhance patient smiles and confidence.
Skillfully manage and treat acute dental emergencies, providing immediate pain relief, diagnosis, and definitive or palliative care.
Interpret digital radiographs, panoramic X-rays, and CBCT scans to aid in accurate diagnosis and meticulous treatment planning.
Fabricate and deliver a variety of removable and fixed prosthodontics, including partial and complete dentures and implant-supported restorations.
Conduct thorough periodontal assessments, including charting and diagnosis, and provide non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing).
Administer local anesthesia and, where applicable, nitrous oxide sedation to ensure maximum patient comfort and a positive treatment experience.
Uphold the practice's established clinical standards and patient care philosophy throughout the locum tenure, ensuring continuity of care.

Secondary Functions

Meticulously maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive patient records within the practice's electronic dental record system (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft).
Educate patients on all aspects of oral hygiene, preventative care strategies, and the rationale behind recommended treatment options.
Collaborate effectively and professionally with dental hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff to ensure a seamless workflow and an outstanding patient experience.
Adhere strictly to all federal, state, and practice-level guidelines, including HIPAA, OSHA, and infection control protocols.
Build strong rapport and trust with patients and their families, fostering a welcoming and compassionate clinical environment.
Participate actively in daily team huddles and staff meetings to align on the day's schedule, patient needs, and operational goals.
Manage the daily patient schedule with efficiency, working to stay on time while providing uncompromised, quality care.
Review and follow up on incoming and outgoing laboratory cases to ensure the quality and timely delivery of crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High proficiency with digital dental practice management software such as Eaglesoft, Dentrix, or Open Dental.
Expertise in interpreting digital radiography (2D) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT/3D) scans.
Advanced skills in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, including composite bonding and crown/bridge preparations.
Competency in performing rotary endodontics and utilizing modern obturation techniques for predictable outcomes.
Experience with CAD/CAM technology (e.g., CEREC, iTero) for digital impressions and single-visit restorations.
Skilled in performing a range of oral surgery procedures, primarily simple and surgical extractions.
Strong diagnostic acumen and ability to formulate and clearly present comprehensive treatment plans.
Proficiency in non-surgical periodontal therapy and management of periodontal disease.

Soft Skills

Exceptional patient communication and "chairside manner," with the ability to explain complex procedures in an understandable way.
High degree of adaptability and the ability to quickly and effectively integrate into a new team and clinical environment.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address unexpected clinical challenges calmly and efficiently.
A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a genuine willingness to support colleagues.
Unwavering commitment to ethical clinical practices and providing the highest standard of patient care.
Excellent time management and organizational abilities to handle a fast-paced, multi-patient schedule.
Empathy and compassion for patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from a CODA-accredited dental school.
An active, unrestricted state dental license in good standing for the state of practice.
Current CPR/BLS certification.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program.
DEA licensure.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Dentistry
Dental Medicine

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3+ years of clinical experience in a general, family, or multi-specialty dental practice.

Preferred:

Prior experience working as a locum tenens dentist is highly advantageous.
Demonstrated track record of successfully managing a diverse patient caseload and performing a wide range of dental procedures independently.