Dentist Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Missouri
Imagine for a moment that you are stuck in traffic on your way to work, bored of the same monotonous routine, and looking to experience new scenery and culture. Then, your phone vibrates. It’s your Barton recruiter with the answer. They share a new listing with great pay, your dream schedule, and it will start at a time that fits your current life. The only problem is that it is in Missouri which you know very little about. That’s where Barton comes in!

What You Need to Know About Missouri as a Locum Tenens Dentist?
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!
Missouri: A Brief History
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!
What is there to do and see in Missouri?
- 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.
How close is Missouri to other cities and states?
- 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.
Dentist Scope of Practice In Missouri
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.
Locum Tenens Dentist Jobs in Missouri
Physician - Emergency Medicine
Our client in Missouri is actively seeking an experienced Emergency Medicine Physician to join their team for a 90-day assignment starting Oct 17, 2026. This dynamic role requires managing Trauma cases across a variety of shifts, including 6a-4p, 10a-8p, 3p-1a, and 8p-6a, contributing to critical patient care within a demanding... View This Job





Our client in Missouri is seeking an Emergency Medicine Physician for a 90-day assignment starting Oct 17, 2026. This role involves comprehensive emergency department care, including standard ER procedures and trauma cases, catering to a diverse patient population. Shifts are varied, covering periods like 6a-4p, 9a-7p, 12p-10p, 3p-1a, 7p-5a, and... View This Job





We are actively seeking an Emergency Medicine Physician to join our client in Missouri for a 90-day assignment starting Oct 17, 2026. This role involves working 12-hour shifts, providing essential emergency medical care to patients in a dynamic clinical environment.Responsibilities and DutiesProvide comprehensive emergency medical care to patients across all... View This Job





We are seeking a skilled Neurological Surgeon for a 90-day assignment in Missouri, starting Oct 26, 2026. This role involves 24-hour call, covering 7-10 days per month, primarily focusing on endovascular neurosurgery call, alongside general neurosurgery and specific regional call duties. The ideal candidate will manage complex cerebrovascular cases including... View This Job
Find Your Next Physician Job with Barton
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
TALK WITH A REP
We’ll schedule a phone consultation with a Barton Associates team member to discuss your interests, goals, and work history in order to get a sense of what you’re looking for in your next job.
Your Barton team will then go to work, compiling a list of open jobs in our extensive network that match your interests and skill set.
REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS
Once you’ve had a chance to evaluate your list of opportunities, your Barton rep will submit your information to facility you want to take an assignment at.
If there’s a match, we’ll work with the client manager on next steps.
START YOUR JOB!
Don’t worry! Barton Associates will handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive.
Your Barton rep will also work with your new facility to ensure you’re set up and ready to go on day one.