Jen Upton reminds us that locum dental nurses supplied by agencies are a meaningful part of the team deserving more respect.
Behind every mask, uniform, and GDC registration is a person. They have a career, a family, ambitions, worries, and pride in their work. Yet in the hustle of back-to-back patients, staffing rotas, and diary management, it can be easy to forget that the dental nurse arriving for a day of locum cover is more than ‘just the temp.’
They are, in every meaningful way, part of the team that day. And how they’re treated affects more than just morale. It affects performance, patient safety, team dynamics, and the reputation of the practice.
More than a name on the rota
Dental agency nurses are among the most adaptable professionals in the clinical workforce. They walk into unfamiliar environments, adjust to new systems, and integrate into existing teams, often with no induction and very little preparation.
This level of agility takes emotional intelligence, confidence, and a genuine commitment to patient care. It’s not just about clinical competence. It’s about resilience. But all too often, agency staff are overlooked when it comes to communication, inclusion, and recognition.
The emotional load of being ‘the temp’
Working as a locum can be both empowering and isolating. Many choose agency work for flexibility, autonomy, and variety. But it can also mean constantly proving yourself, adapting quickly, and starting from scratch again and again.
Imagine walking into a new practice each week. You don’t know where anything is, who you’ll be assisting, or whether you’ll be welcomed or barely acknowledged. Now imagine doing that while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism. That’s the lived experience of many agency nurses.
A simple: ‘Good morning, we’re glad to have you’ or: ‘Thanks for today, you really helped’ can go a long way.
Temporary role, permanent impact
Even during a single shift, a locum nurse can make a significant contribution.
- They uphold infection control procedures
- They keep surgeries flowing efficiently
- They reassure anxious patients
- They lend support to overstretched teams.
They do all of this without familiarity or routine. They adapt quickly, remain calm under pressure, and deliver quality care without cutting corners.
Patients don’t know who is agency and who is permanent. What they do notice is whether the team feels joined up, attentive, and caring. When locums are properly integrated, they support this experience and contribute to a safe, consistent environment.
Why inclusion matters more than ever
Dentistry today faces rising demand, ongoing recruitment challenges, and a growing reliance on temporary staff. This makes it more important than ever to treat agency nurses with respect and inclusion.
When locums are excluded, ignored, or under-supported, it impacts their performance and your practice’s culture. But when they feel valued and welcomed, they are more likely to return, integrate smoothly, and become trusted team members over time.
This consistency benefits everyone:
- It improves retention
- It reduces recruitment costs
- It enhances team cohesion
- It supports patient continuity.
Kindness is a strategy, not a soft skill
If someone is working with your team, even just for a day, treat them as you would want your own staff to be treated elsewhere. A proper welcome, a quick handover, and an invitation to lunch or a team chat aren’t luxuries. They are the foundation of safe, effective teamwork.
The way you treat temporary staff reflects your leadership, values, and standards.
People first, always
It’s time to rethink how we view agency nurses. They are not placeholders – they are skilled professionals, they are people.
The next time a locum walks into your practice, remember this. You’re not just filling a shift. You’re shaping a culture. One that values people, prioritises care, and recognises that everyone who walks through your door plays an important part in delivering excellence.
Patients don’t know who’s agency and who’s permanent. What they do notice is whether the team feels joined up, attentive, and caring. When locums are properly integrated, they support this experience and contribute to a safe, consistent environment.
