Dentist Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Missouri

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Missouri.

Click here for open dentist jobs in Missouri!

The area that Missouri inhabits was purchased in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and later became a state in 1820 as a result of the Missouri Compromise. During the Civil War, Missouri was split, supplying both Union and Confederate forces with troops. Missouri served as a main hub for transportation and commerce in the early 19th century, and has a diverse economy ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. Whether you are a resident or visitor, Missouri has something for everyone to enjoy!

• Take a visit to St. Louis, Missouri to see the Gateway Arch, the iconic arch located in the city. You can walk under the arch, and even take a ride to the top of the arch to see beautiful views of the St. Louis skyline. 
• Foodies, Missouri is the palace for you! Home to some of the best barbeque in the country, be sure to try both St. Louis and Kansas City style barbeque- you won’t regret it! 
• If you love history, check out the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of World War I. 
• Head to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, home to over 40 thrill rides and attractions, live shows, shows, and restaurants.

• St. Louis, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri: Approximately 250 miles; around 3.5 to 4 hours by car.
• St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois: Roughly 280 miles; about 4 to 4.5 hours by car. 
• St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee: Around 280 miles; approximately 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
• St. Louis, Missouri to Indianapolis, Indiana: About 240 miles; approximately 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
• St. Louis, Missouri to Little Rock, Arkansas: Approximately 280 miles; around 4 to 4.5 hours by car.

What is the Scope of Practice for Dentists in Missouri?

In Missouri, dentists enjoy full practice authority, empowering them to make clinical decisions independently and perform a comprehensive range of dental procedures without direct supervision. This model grants dentists autonomy and responsibility for the overall oral health management of their patients. Full practice authority aligns with the growing trend towards increased autonomy for dentists across the United States, recognizing their value and importance in providing high-quality oral healthcare. It ensures patients have access to comprehensive care from qualified professionals, fostering collaboration and shared decision-making between dentists and their patients.

What are the Licensing Requirements for Dentists in Missouri?

The state of Missouri has established specific educational requirements for individuals seeking to practice dentistry within its jurisdiction. To obtain a dental license in Missouri, aspiring dentists must possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.) degree. These degrees must be obtained from a university-based dental education program that has received accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This requirement ensures that dental professionals in Missouri have received a high-quality education and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective oral healthcare services to the public. The CODA accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of dental education programs to assess their compliance with established standards and guidelines. This accreditation process helps to maintain the quality of dental education in Missouri and ensures that graduates of accredited programs are well-prepared to enter the dental profession.

What are Dentists Authorized to Prescribe in Missouri?

Dentists have unlimited and independent prescriptive authority in the state of Missouri. 

Do Dentists Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Missouri?

In Missouri, dentists are eligible for medical staff membership, acknowledging their role in delivering comprehensive healthcare. Their training and expertise contribute to interdisciplinary healthcare teams, fostering collaboration and enhancing patient care. The Missouri Board of Healing Arts recognizes dentistry as a branch of the healing arts, highlighting its significance in the healthcare system. Medical staff membership for dentists reflects their professional standing and commitment to patient-centered care. It facilitates their participation in hospital committees and decision-making processes, ensuring that oral health considerations are addressed in patient care pathways. Overall, this recognition underscores the state’s recognition of dentists’ essential role in the healthcare landscape.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Dentists in Missouri?

In Missouri, dentists are required to complete 50 CE hours to renew their license. Missouri dentists must complete 50 continuing education (CE) hours to renew their license every two years. This requirement aims to keep dentists updated on the latest dentistry advancements, ensuring they provide the best care to their patients. CE hours can be obtained through various sources like conferences, online courses, and journals. The Missouri Dental Board also offers free CE courses. The requirement is part of the board’s efforts to protect the public, setting standards, investigating complaints, and disciplining dentists violating the law. Dentists must complete 50 CE hours within the licensure period, with at least 25 hours in clinical courses. The CE requirement ensures that Missouri dentists provide high-quality dental care to their patients.