By: Melissa Barlock
Considering a career in the dental industry?
Considering a career in the dental industry for the flexibility of working part-time or full-time at a competitive salary? Temps, or temporary employees, work at various locations for short periods of time. Because of technology and the ability to rapidly exchange information through online recruiting platforms such as Enspire Dental Opportunities, the relationship between the employer and employee has drastically changed, and temp positions have become increasingly relevant. This is nowhere more true than in the dental industry. Many dental hygienists, for example, work ‘temporarily’ on a full-time basis. While there are obvious advantages to the employer, you may be wondering what advantages, if any, there are for the employee. As you’ve probably guessed, there are advantages and disadvantages. Whether you’re still considering your career options, already a certified professional, or just curious, read below to find out!
Advantages of Temping
Independence: perhaps the most obvious advantage is the independence that comes along with being able to choose your own schedule: work full-time, part-time, or no time at all! The choice is yours. Life is far from being static, and peoples’ attitudes, goals, and circumstances change, and there are various reasons why one may want to cut back on, or increase, hours worked. One major reason is family. Some people have family members at home that need extra care; as a temp, you can choose to stay with them full-time or split the work with another caregiver. Similarly, some parents may wish to spend additional time caring for their children after maternity and parental leave is up. Another major benefit is being able to decline work without penalty if you want extra time off for events, holidays, vacation, etc. Don’t like a particular clinic? You can choose not to work there, as well. Maybe you have other aspirations; as a temp, you can choose to work less to provide more time for school or other work you may have on the side. Or you can choose to work more to save up for something you want, or to provide a cushion as insurance for the future. There are benefits that come with being a temp later in life, too; temping gives you the option of working less or remaining semi-retired when you’re older. At any age, temping lets you define work-life balance, whatever that may be.
Variety: some of us take comfort in routine, while others thrive on adventure and change. If you’re the latter, then temping may be just what you’re looking for. For one thing, being able to choose your own hours means that you can change up the pace as you please: work overtime some weeks when you’re feeling up to it, and less others when you’d prefer to take it easy. You can use the spare time to take up a hobby, work on a project, or write a blog! Some may also like the heterogeneity of working in different clinics, for different people, in different locations. Work with various technologies, in small and large clinics, and older and newer ones. The change of scenery and faces can be refreshing and help to reduce boredom and burnout.
Travel: temping gives you the option of working anywhere, anytime. If you’re the type that loves to travel and experience new places, few other positions allow you to do just that without taking time off work. Live and work in Toronto but want to spend some time with relatives in Vancouver? No problem. You can even apply through the same recruitment agency. Alternatively, you can pack your bags and work internationally; just make sure you have your papers in order.
Experience: another benefit that comes with working in different places is gaining valuable life experience. Working in different places with a variety of people will make you a more well-rounded clinician and person. For example, learning to work with various tools, software, and protocols will help you to determine which you like best. This can be useful if you choose to own your own practice, have influence over purchasing decisions, or simply wish to buy your own equipment for ergonomic and quality reasons. Similarly, working with different people will give you insight into the type of personalities you like to work with. Interacting with a variety of people will also expose you to new knowledge, ideas, and ways of thinking, and will likely enhance your communication skills. Being the ‘new person’ every day can also help you build the confidence and comfort to approach any new situation boldly. If you choose to travel, say from the city to a rural environment, you may find that you enjoy it much more than you thought you would. Working in different clinics will also give you insight into the type of place that suits you well. Overall, a diversity of experiences and challenges brings opportunity for growth and a chance to discover who you really are and would like to become. Temping lets you find your niche.
Try before you buy: another major perk of temping is being able to test the waters before you jump in. Many clinics offer temp-to-permanent positions, and this can be mutually beneficial for both the employer and employee. Things to consider include location, the people you will be working with, size of the practice, equipment, length of appointments, etc. Another key component is the overall work environment and company culture. Do your core values align with the company? Is the practice more focussed on profit or patient-centered care? Being able to choose will ensure you never get stuck working somewhere you don’t want to.
Job security: although it may not sound like it, there is some security as a temp. If things slow down at the clinic where you regularly work, you can pick up shifts at another. The same goes if the clinic closes down. Though you may not always be able to work-full time, temps are hardly ever out of work.
Skip the office politics: a minor perk that many temps enjoy is skipping the office politics. Get in, get out, it’s like you were never there.
Build your network: because you’re able to work with so many different people in so many different places, temping affords you the opportunity to build your social and professional network. Make new friends and take advantage of opportunities that may follow.
Tax advantages: if you are self-employed there are more deductions that you can make from your income taxes. You may also choose not to pay employment insurance premiums.
Earn more: because you choose when and how often to work, there is the potential to make more money if all goes well. However, it is also possible to earn less than a permanent employee.
Enspire Dental Opportunities is looking forward to working with you.
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