# Hygienist Called in Sick? How to Cover Her Patients Today

When a hygienist calls in sick, triage the day's schedule first, rebook or shift the patients who can't be covered, and post a temporary hygiene shift right away so qualified professionals nearby are notified. In Canada, DentalForce lets you post the shift with your hours and rate, review interested hygienists' profiles and ratings, and choose who you hire, paying only for shifts completed.

The same steps work when you need a temp dental hygienist for tomorrow. You just have more time to fill the shift before you rebook anyone.

[Post a shift on DentalForce](https://www.dentalforce.ca/practice)

## Same-day plan: what to do in the first hour

1. Post the shift first. The sooner it is posted, the more time professionals have to respond. On DentalForce, set the date, hours and rate. Notifications go to available professionals who meet your requirements. See step 5.
2. Triage the hygiene column. Sort the day's patients into three groups:
 
 Must be seen today (pain, active periodontal treatment, scheduled with the dentist)
 Can move to a dentist or another hygienist already working today
 Can be rebooked without risk
3. Rebook with care. Call patients early. Offer the nearest open slot, and offer to put them on a short-notice list in case the shift fills. Note every change in the chart.
4. Run the short-notice checklist (below) so a temp can start without delays.
5. Review applicants and confirm. Look at each interested hygienist's profile and ratings, pick the one you want, and confirm. DentalForce verifies licences and identity automatically, and its network includes 9,000+ Canadian dental professionals.
6. Close the loop. After the shift, confirm it was completed and rate the experience. Payment is then processed through the built-in invoicing.

## Short-notice checklist for a temp hygienist

- Day schedule with procedure types and any medical alerts flagged
- Login for your practice management and charting software
- Operatory set-up: instruments, sterilization routine, ultrasonic, supplies
- Radiograph and periodontal charting protocols your office follows
- Who to ask for the dentist's exams, and how to hand off patients
- Parking, entry, break times and the dress code
- One staff member assigned to greet and orient the temp

## How fast can a shift be filled on DentalForce?

DentalForce is built for short-notice gaps. Its practice page lists "Staff Member Call In Sick? Quickly fill shifts to avoid disrupting patient schedules." When you post a shift, notifications go straight to available professionals who meet your requirements. More than 50,000 shifts have been posted on the platform. Fill time depends on your location, the role, and your rate, so post as early as you can.

What it costs: There is no subscription. Practices pay only for shifts completed, and current per-shift fees are listed on the [practice page](https://www.dentalforce.ca/practice). Professionals use DentalForce for free and get paid the same day. If you get stuck, white-glove support is available.

## Provincial notes (general)

- Dental hygiene is regulated by each province. A temp must hold an active registration in the province where they will work. A licence from another province does not automatically carry over.
- Scope of practice, including self-initiation, local anaesthetic and other added authorizations, differs by province and by registrant. Confirm that the temp can do the procedures you have booked.
- Record-keeping, infection-control and supervision expectations come from your provincial regulator and dental college. Check their current guidance, as this page is not legal advice.

## FAQ

Post a temporary hygiene shift right away, triage the schedule, and rebook only the patients who can safely wait. On DentalForce, available professionals who meet your requirements are notified, and you choose who to hire.

Post the shift today with clear hours and a rate. Then review the profiles and ratings of the hygienists who respond and confirm one. DentalForce connects practices with 9,000+ Canadian dental professionals.

Yes. DentalForce uses an automated licence and identity verification system, and you can review profiles and ratings before you hire.

No. Practices pay only for completed shifts, and there are no hidden fees. Current fees are listed on dentalforce.ca/practice.

Yes. Practices post temporary shifts for dental assistants, reception and admin staff as well as hygienists.

Across Canada. DentalForce (formerly DragonTooth) was founded in Ontario and supports practices and professionals nationwide.

[Post a shift on DentalForce](https://www.dentalforce.ca/practice)