Locum dentistry isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Stepping into different practices, adapting quickly, and providing seamless patient care when it’s needed most, locum dentists are highly skilled professionals who bring flexibility and reliability to an industry that often demands both.
But before you pack your bag and start chasing day rates of up to £550, it’s worth taking a step back to ask the real question: Is locum dentistry the right fit for you?
What Does a Locum Dentist Actually Do?
As a locum, you’re essentially a temporary solution, a professional who fills in when a practice is short-staffed due to illness, maternity leave, holidays, or staff transitions. Some locum contracts are just a few days, while others can last several months, these cxan also lead to permanent positions.
You might find yourself working in a rural NHS practice one week and a private city clinic the next. That unpredictability is part of the appeal — and the challenge.
The Pros: Why Some Dentists Love It
Locum work offers a level of freedom that permanent roles simply don’t. You choose when and where you work. You can take extended holidays or carve out time for passion projects, study, or family.
For some, it’s the perfect antidote to burnout, a way to keep their clinical skills sharp without being tied to a single location or long-term commitment, some have a permanet practice for 1-3 days a week and locum at practices should they wish in there non permanet days. And yes, the financial perks are real: daily rates can be significantly higher than salaried positions.
The Trade-Offs: What You Need to Consider
Of course, freedom comes at a price. Locum dentistry can mean gaps in income, frequent travel, and a lack of stability. One month might be packed with work, and the next eerily quiet.
You’ll also need to be comfortable walking into new environments regularly, with different team dynamics, systems, and expectations. If you thrive on routine and consistency, this might not be the right route for you.
Is Locum Work Compatible with Your Lifestyle?
Before diving into the locum world, ask yourself:
Am I open to travelling for work, possibly staying away from home?
Can I handle periods of downtime without financial stress?
Do I adapt easily to new environments and ways of working?
If you have dependents or are the primary income earner, these are especially important questions to consider. However, locum work can also be ideal for parents seeking flexible hours, semi-retired clinicians, or early-career dentists exploring different settings before settling down.
So... Is It For You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Locum dentistry can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and professionally, but it requires a certain mindset. Adaptability, independence, and a bit of an adventurous streak go a long way.
If you’re someone who enjoys variety, values flexibility, and can roll with the punches, locum work might be your perfect fit.
If not? That’s okay too. Dentistry offers many paths — locum is just one of the more unique (and mobile) ones.