Temp dental work in BC, on your terms
Temping is one of the most flexible ways to build a career in dentistry — set your own schedule, work across different practices, and keep your independence. If you’re a hygienist or assistant in British Columbia (or an office thinking about temporary coverage), here’s a clear, current guide to how it works in 2026.
Who regulates dental professionals in BC now?
As of 2026, oral-health professionals in BC are regulated by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). The colleges merged in 2022, and licensure under the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) took effect April 1, 2026. A few things worth knowing:
- Dental assistants are now titled Licensed Dental Assistants (LDAs).
- The former college names CDHBC and CDSBC are retired — you’ll see BCCOHP going forward.
- Keeping your registration current with BCCOHP is what lets you accept shifts.
(Always confirm licensing specifics directly with BCCOHP — this is general guidance, not regulatory advice.)
How temp shifts actually work
Create a profile
Sign up as an RDH or LDA and set the hourly rate you want — always free for dental professionals.
Browse open shifts
See shifts near you — across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and beyond — and book the ones that fit.
Show up and do great work
Ratings build your reputation and help you get the shifts you want.
Get paid — with a guarantee
A good platform protects your pay and covers you for short-notice cancellations.
What to look for in a temp platform
You set the rate
The hourly rate is yours to name — not an agency’s to mark down or take a cut of.
Real guarantees
Payment and cancellation guarantees, so a last-minute change doesn’t cost you.
Real standards
Clear expectations for PPE and infection control at every office you work in.
BC-specific accuracy
Accurate, current BC information — a platform that still says “CDHBC” isn’t keeping up.
No hiring fee
If a clinic you love wants to bring you on permanently, nothing stands in the way.
Built by a dentist, for BC dentistry
TempStars was founded in 2015 by Dr. James Younger, DDS, and has spent the last decade connecting dental offices and professionals with guarantees and trust at the center. We keep our platform aligned with BC’s current regulatory reality so the details are right.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be licensed with BCCOHP to temp?
Yes — current BCCOHP registration is required to work as an RDH or LDA in BC. Keeping your registration current is what lets you accept shifts.
Can new grads temp?
Yes, once licensed — temping is a great way for new grads to experience different practices, build confidence and find the environments where they do their best work.
How do I get paid?
Through the platform, with a Payment Guarantee that protects your earnings — plus coverage if an office cancels on short notice.
Get started
Join thousands of dental professionals temping on their own terms — or get reliable temporary coverage for your practice.
