The use of locum dentists in the UK has grown significantly in recent years. Ongoing workforce shortages, increasing pressure within NHS dentistry, and changing career preferences among dentists have made locum work an essential part of the UK dental staffing landscape.
For dental employers, understanding the pros, cons, and cost implications of locum dentists is critical for effective workforce planning. For dentists, locum roles offer flexibility—but also come with trade-offs.
This article provides a UK-optimised, standards-aligned overview of why locum dentistry is rising and what it means for practices across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What Is a Locum Dentist in the UK?
A locum dentist is a self-employed or agency-engaged dentist who works temporarily to cover:
- Staff shortages
- Maternity or sickness leave
- Recruitment gaps
- Peaks in patient demand
Locum dentists may work in NHS, private, or mixed practices, and must meet the same professional standards as permanent clinicians.
All practising dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council, regardless of employment type.
Why Locum Dentistry Is Rising in the UK
1. Dentist Shortage UK-Wide
The ongoing dentist shortage in the UK, particularly within NHS dentistry, has increased reliance on short-term staffing solutions. Practices often turn to locum dentists to maintain service continuity when permanent recruitment proves difficult.
2. NHS Workforce Pressures
Many NHS-focused practices struggle with retention due to workload intensity and contractual pressures within the National Health Service. Locum dentists provide short-term relief while longer-term solutions are explored.
3. Changing Dentist Career Preferences
More dentists are choosing locum work for:
- Greater control over working hours
- Reduced administrative burden
- Improved work-life balance
- Exposure to different practice environments
This shift has normalised locum dentistry as a career option rather than a temporary stopgap.
Pros of Hiring Locum Dentists (UK Employer Perspective)
1. Immediate Workforce Cover
Locum dentists allow practices to:
- Avoid cancelling appointments
- Maintain patient access
- Protect NHS contract delivery
This is particularly valuable during unexpected absences.
2. Recruitment Flexibility
Locums give practices breathing space to:
- Recruit carefully rather than urgently
- Trial clinicians before permanent offers
- Adapt staffing levels to demand
3. Reduced Long-Term Commitment
Employers avoid:
- Permanent employment liabilities
- Long notice periods
- Ongoing employment costs
This flexibility can be crucial during uncertain periods.
Cons of Locum Dentists for UK Practices
1. Higher Short-Term Costs
Locum dentists often command higher daily or sessional rates than salaried or associate dentists. These costs can escalate quickly, particularly in high-demand regions.
2. Continuity of Care Challenges
Frequent use of locums can affect:
- Patient-dentist relationships
- Treatment continuity
- Team cohesion
This is especially sensitive in NHS practices serving vulnerable populations.
3. Variable Practice Familiarity
Locum dentists may require time to:
- Learn practice systems
- Adapt to local workflows
- Integrate with the dental team
This can temporarily reduce efficiency.
Cost Implications of Locum Dentists in the UK
Direct Costs
- Higher daily or per-session fees
- Agency commission (where applicable)
- Indemnity and compliance checks
Indirect Costs
- Reduced productivity during onboarding
- Administrative coordination time
- Potential patient dissatisfaction
While locums can prevent lost revenue from cancelled clinics, long-term reliance can be more expensive than permanent recruitment.
NHS vs Private Dentistry: Locum Cost Differences
- NHS practices often face tighter margins, making sustained locum use financially challenging
- Private practices may absorb locum costs more easily but still face pressure to maintain patient experience
Both sectors must balance short-term continuity against long-term sustainability.
Pros and Cons for Dentists Working as Locums
Advantages for Dentists
- Flexible working patterns
- Choice of location and practice type
- Reduced administrative responsibilities
- Potentially higher short-term earnings
Disadvantages for Dentists
- Income variability
- Limited access to career progression within a single practice
- Responsibility for tax, indemnity, and compliance
- Less continuity with patients
Locum work suits some dentists well—but not all.
When Is Using a Locum Dentist the Right Choice?
Locum dentists are most effective when used:
- As short-term cover
- During recruitment transitions
- For temporary workload spikes
- To prevent service disruption
They are less effective as a long-term substitute for workforce planning.
Best Practice: Using Locums Strategically in the UK
UK dental employers should:
- Use locums as part of a broader staffing strategy
- Prioritise retention and permanent recruitment
- Work with ethical, compliant agencies
- Ensure proper induction and governance
Strategic use protects patient care and finances.
Future Outlook: Will Locum Dentistry Continue to Grow?
Given ongoing workforce pressures, locum dentistry is likely to remain a feature of the UK dental landscape. However, rising costs and sustainability concerns may push practices toward:
- Improved retention strategies
- Mixed workforce models
- Ethical international recruitment
- Greater use of dental care professionals
Locums will remain valuable—but not a complete solution.
Final Thoughts
The rise of locum dentists in the UK reflects deeper workforce challenges and changing professional expectations. While locums offer flexibility and immediate cover, they also bring higher costs and continuity challenges.
For UK dental employers, the key is balance—using locum dentists strategically while investing in long-term recruitment and retention. Practices that take a measured, informed approach will be best placed to deliver consistent, high-quality care in a constrained workforce environment.
