Resources
The Dental Clinic Staffing Checklist
A simple checklist for Australian dental practice managers — sick-cover playbook, leave planning, recall blitz weeks, and bridging permanent hires.
A practical checklist for dental practice managers and principals to keep the roster moving — without the 7am scramble.
Sick cover playbook
- Have a pre-vetted list of locums you've worked with
- Use an instant-broadcast platform (rather than calling one by one)
- Have a 'rate ceiling' you'll go to for same-day cover
- Keep patients informed early — most prefer rebooking to a stressed clinic
Leave planning
- Map team leave 90 days out
- Post planned cover 2–4 weeks ahead for best candidate choice
- Favourite the locums who fit and request them recurringly
Recall blitz weeks
- Bundle a hygienist + assistant + receptionist for short bursts
- Schedule recalls in tight blocks for efficiency
Bridging permanent hires
- Use locum cover during the recruitment window — don't lose production
- Trial recurring locums as candidates for permanent roles
Frequently asked questions
- What's the fastest way to fill a same-day dental staffing gap?
- Have a pre-built locum pool and an instant-broadcast platform ready. Calling individuals one by one is the slowest approach.
- How far in advance should I book leave cover?
- Aim to post planned leave 2–4 weeks ahead for best matching. Same-day cover is also possible but reduces candidate choice.