Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smiles On Call?

Smiles On Call is a free service that connects dental offices with local per-diem hygienists to help keep your hygiene schedule covered. Offices submit requests through our booking form, and available hygienists contact you directly to arrange coverage.

Is Smiles On Call a temp agency?

No, Smiles On Call is not a temp agency. That means:

No fees to use our service

No pay rate markups

No middleman involved


Just a simple, free tool to connect your office with hygienists who are available to provide coverage.

What areas does Smiles On Call serve?

We currently support practices in:

Rochester

Brighton

Pittsford

Fairport

Penfield

Webster

Irondequoit

Greece

Henrietta

East Rochester

Victor

Macedon

Perinton

Spencerport

Gates

Chili

Brockport

Canandaigua

Farmington

Mendon / Honeoye Falls

What does it cost to use Smiles On Call?

There is no fee for dental offices. Using the booking request form is free. Once you’ve connected with a hygienist, all pay arrangements (rate, structure, and payment method) are agreed upon directly between you and the hygienist.

How do I submit a request?

Fill out the booking request form with your office name, contact information, and the dates/times coverage is needed.

To help find the best fit, consider including additional details such as:

Appointment lengths

Break schedule

Equipment available

Office policies

Once you’ve confirmed coverage with a hygienist, mark your request as Booked to stop receiving responses.

How do I finalize details with the hygienist I hire?

Once you've secured coverage from a temp hygienist through Smiles On Call, you should confirm the following directly with the hygienist:

Pay rate and pay structure

Exact start/end hours

Appointment lengths and flow

Equipment availability

Breaks/lunch times

Method of payment

Can I request a specific hygienist?

Yes. If you’d like a particular hygienist to cover, include their name in your booking request.

How do I cancel or change a booking?

Once you’ve made arrangements with a hygienist, all communication about changes or cancellations is handled directly between your office and that hygienist. Smiles On Call does not manage cancellations.

What are the laws around hiring a per-diem hygienist?

In New York State:

Workers must receive a 30-minute unpaid break for shifts of 6+ hours.

Registered dental hygienists work under the license of a dentist. This means that hygienists, including temps, should be hired as employees (W-2), not independent contractors (1099). The 1099 classification does not apply to registered dental hygienists under New York law. Smiles On Call per-diem hygienists are provided with a W4 form when they join the community and should be able to provide this upon booking.

How do I contact Smiles On Call directly?

For questions or comments, please email [email protected].