# Prepare for a temp hygienist's first day with this office checklist

### Before the shift

- [ ] Prepare an individual PMS login with the access needed for the shift.
- [ ] Print or securely share the day's schedule through the office's usual process.
- [ ] Confirm appointment lengths and note where the schedule needs clarification.
- [ ] Name the person the hygienist should ask about workflow or schedule questions.
- [ ] Share arrival time, parking details and the correct office entrance.
- [ ] Check that the assigned operatory has the supplies needed for the day's work.

### On arrival

- [ ] Introduce the hygienist to the dentist and the team working that shift.
- [ ] Give a short tour, including the operatory, staff area and supply storage.
- [ ] Show the sterilization area and explain the office's instrument workflow.
- [ ] Locate instrument sets and explain where to find replacement supplies.
- [ ] Review charting conventions and where the office records completed work.
- [ ] Confirm the login works before the first appointment begins.
- [ ] Review the schedule together and identify who will communicate changes.

### During the shift

- [ ] Check in after the first appointment to resolve workflow questions.
- [ ] Communicate schedule changes directly to the hygienist and relevant team members.
- [ ] Make the named contact available for questions about office procedures.
- [ ] Confirm how the hygienist should hand off patients and unfinished documentation.
- [ ] Record unresolved operational questions for the end-of-shift discussion.

### After the shift

- [ ] Review unfinished tasks and assign each one to a team member.
- [ ] Ask the hygienist what was clear and what would improve the next shift.
- [ ] Give specific feedback about communication, preparation and office workflow.
- [ ] Update the next-shift checklist with any missing instructions or supplies.

Source: https://teerodocs.com/template/temp-hygienist-first-day-checklist (as of 2026-10-02)