The Growing Use of Locums Tenens Dentists

THE TEMP-TO-PERM MODEL In addition, locum tenens dentists can be used to secure a new associate through the “temp-to-perm” process, in which an established dentist can evaluate the work of a temporary dentist before making an offer of permanent employment. Once the locum tenens dentist is permanently employed, he or she may eventually purchase the hiring dentist’s practice. Dental practices also may rotate locum tenens dentists in specialty areas such as endodontics or periodontics through the practice one day a month or as needed, in order to provide services that might otherwise be referred out.

Costs vs. Benefits If a dentist is out due to illness, vacation or other reasons, production obviously stops and others in the practice, such as office managers and hygienists, may be idle. In addition, wait times for both routine appointments and high revenue generating procedures can back up, causing patients to seek services elsewhere. Locum tenens dentists can maintain continuity of care, enhancing patient convenience and satisfaction, and can be a means for maintaining revenue. Locum tenens staffing agencies generally provide two billing options -- a per diem option or a production option. In a per diem option, the practice pays a daily rate for the temporary dentist’s services. The daily rate may vary but usually is in the hundreds of dollars and will only exceed three figures in extraordinary circumstances. In the production formula, the practice pays the staffing agency a percentage of the revenue generated by the locum tenens dentist once an agreed upon base line of revenue has been reached.

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