Why More Dentists Are Turning to Locum Tenens Opportunities in 2025
The dental industry has seen significant shifts over the past few years, with one emerging trend standing out in 2025—the rise of locum tenens opportunities for dentists. This flexible career path is transforming the way dental professionals work, making it possible to balance professional growth with personal satisfaction.
Whether you’re an experienced practitioner looking for variety or a new dentist exploring your options, locum tenens roles offer compelling benefits that are increasingly hard to overlook. Read on as we explore why more dentists than ever are choosing this rewarding career path.
What Is Locum Tenens Dentistry?
Locum tenens, a Latin term meaning “to hold the place of,” refers to temporary positions in which dentists work as substitutes in different practices. These assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the dental office and the goals of the dentist.
For dentists, locum tenens jobs provide an exciting opportunity to explore diverse work environments, build professional skills, and enjoy the flexibility of temporary contracts.
Why Locum Tenens Is Increasingly Popular Among Dentists
Flexibility in Scheduling
One of the biggest draws of locum tenens dentistry is the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional full-time roles, which often come with rigid schedules, locum tenens assignments empower dentists to choose when and where they work.
This control over their career allows dentists to prioritize personal commitments, travel, and other interests without sacrificing income or professional development. Whether you’re seeking short-term contracts or looking to fill in during slower months, locum tenens roles provide a tailor-made solution.
Diverse Work Environments
Locum tenens positions allow dentists to treat a variety of patient populations in different settings, such as urban clinics, rural practices, or even correctional facilities. This diversity not only broadens your experience but also helps you refine your skills in ways that traditional roles might not offer.
For instance, you could spend one month working in a cutting-edge dental facility in a metropolitan area and the next in a small-town community clinic. This kind of exposure is invaluable for building adaptability and gaining a well-rounded perspective on dental care.
Financial Rewards
Locum tenens jobs are also financially attractive, often offering competitive compensation that can rival or surpass traditional permanent roles. Organizations like AMN Healthcare frequently provide comprehensive benefits such as:
- Paid Travel and Housing: Covering the costs of travel and accommodations removes financial stress for locum tenens dentists.
- Malpractice Insurance: Complimentary malpractice coverage ensures peace of mind while practicing.
- State Licensing Assistance: Assistance with licensing fees and applications makes working across state lines hassle-free.
This combination of competitive pay and extensive perks makes locum tenens dentistry an increasingly appealing choice for dental professionals.
How Locum Tenens Boosts Work-Life Balance
For many dentists, striking a healthy balance between work and personal life can be a challenge. Long hours, administrative tasks, and demanding schedules are just a few of the reasons burnout in dentistry is common. Locum tenens dentistry offers a much-needed solution by allowing professionals to reclaim control over their time.
Freedom to Travel
Are you passionate about exploring new destinations while continuing to build your career? Locum tenens dentistry allows you to integrate travel into your professional life. Whether it’s taking assignments in vibrant cities like New York or tranquil rural settings in New Mexico, locum tenens gives you the freedom to roam.
Time for Personal Growth
Because locum tenens roles offer shorter, more flexible contracts, dentists can take advantage of downtime between assignments for personal pursuits. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, advancing your education, or embarking on new hobbies, this career path ensures you have time to focus on what truly matters.
Sampling Different Practice Types
Locum tenens work is also an excellent way to “test drive” different practices. Is working in a dental service organization (DSO) more appealing to you than private practice? Are you better suited to a fast-paced urban environment or a slower rural pace? Locum tenens careers give you the chance to find the perfect fit.
How to Get Started with Locum Tenens Dentistry
If locum tenens dentistry sounds like a good fit for you, here’s how to start exploring this career path.
1. Partner with a Reputable Agency
Finding the right locum tenens assignments starts with working with a trusted staffing agency like AMN Healthcare. With access to nationwide opportunities and an experienced team of recruiters, AMN can help you identify assignments that align with your goals and preferences.
2. Navigate Licensing with Ease
One of the potential hurdles in locum tenens work is obtaining licenses to practice in multiple states. The good news? Agencies like AMN Healthcare assist with licensing fees and applications, eliminating much of the administrative burden.
3. Expand Your Network
Networking is key to long-term success in locum tenens dentistry. Join professional organizations, connect with other locum tenens professionals, and attend industry events to stay informed about new opportunities. Building strong relationships can open doors to exciting assignments and help you grow your career.
What’s Ahead for Locum Tenens Dentistry?
As the demand for dental care continues to grow, so does the need for qualified locum tenens dentists. Factors like the rise of DSOs and increased retirements in the dental field are creating more opportunities than ever before.
Whether you’re looking for short-term variety or considering transitioning to permanent placements through locum tenens experiences, this career path offers endless possibilities for professional and personal growth.
Start Your Locum Tenens Journey Today
Locum tenens dentistry is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to take control of your career and live life on your terms. Whether it’s the flexibility, financial rewards, or diverse experiences that appeal to you, the benefits of locum tenens work are hard to ignore.
Ready to take the next step in your dental career? Explore the possibilities with AMN Healthcare and discover a range of exciting opportunities. Start your next chapter today.
