Full-time or part-time in a dental clinic: 10 questions

Hygienists, assistants and receptionists increasingly choose their number of hours. Here is what full-time and part-time really change.

See open positions

Call Maryse: 514 561-5399

Salle de soins lumineuse avec fauteuil orange, clinique Go Dentiste

From how many hours are you full-time in a dental clinic?

There is no single legal definition; most clinics consider 30 to 40 hours a week full-time, and group insurance plans often set their threshold at 20 or 25 hours. Ask which threshold the clinic uses for benefits eligibility.

Is a part-time employee entitled to vacation and statutory holidays?

Yes. Vacation is calculated as a percentage of gross pay (4% or 6% by seniority) and the holiday indemnity equals 1/20 of the previous four weeks’ wages: everything is proportional to hours worked. Sick leave and family obligation leave also apply.

Is part-time common among hygienists?

Very: many hygienists work three or four days a week, sometimes in two clinics, to protect their back and their work-life balance. Clinics facing shortages adapt; a banner with several locations, like Go Dentiste in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion, can offer a combined schedule.

Can you move from part-time to full-time later?

In a growing clinic, yes, often easily. Ask whether full-time positions are offered internally first. Conversely, a clinic that refuses to reduce your hours after a birth or a return to school tells you a lot about its flexibility.

Which benefits are reserved for full-time staff?

Most often group insurance and sometimes the group RRSP. Since the VRSP came into force, employers with five or more employees must offer a savings plan, even without contributing. A clinic that opens its benefits to part-time employees clearly stands out.

Does part-time slow down raises?

Not if managed well: the salary review should be based on skills and autonomy, not on hours. Ask directly: « Do part-time employees have the same progression grid? »

Which schedule should you choose with young children?

Many parents choose three days a week including one weekend day (the partner looks after the children), or 7-to-3 shifts to be home after school. A clinic open 7 days multiplies these options. Discuss it at the interview.

Is part-time possible for a dental receptionist?

Yes, especially in extended-hours clinics that need support in the evening and on weekends, or for billing and recalls. At Go Dentiste, front desk positions exist full-time and part-time.

How is the notice of termination calculated part-time?

Notice depends on continuous service, not on hours: one week after three months, two weeks after one year, four after five years, eight after ten years. Without notice, the employer pays an indemnity equal to the usual wages for the period.

How do you decide between full-time and part-time?

Quantify both (income, benefits, vacation), then assess the hidden cost of full-time (daycare, transport, fatigue) and of part-time (insurance, progression). The right answer changes over the years: choose a clinic where switching from one to the other is possible.

Go further

Sources and references

Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.