The 1099 Myth: Why Tennessee Dental Hygienists Should Think Twice

The 1099 Myth: Why Tennessee Dental Hygienists Should Think Twice

Should you accept a 1099 position as a temporary dental hygienist? It's one of the most common questions I've been asked while speaking at dental hygiene meetings and events across Tennessee—and one of the most misunderstood topics in our profession. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, we're breaking down the difference between a W-2 employee and a 1099 independent contractor in plain language. Together, we'll walk through a typical day as a temp hygienist, discuss what the IRS actually considers when determining worker classification, explore why Tennessee's supervision requirements make this conversation especially important, and separate common myths from reality. I'll also share a personal story from early in my career about a costly mistake I made as a new temp hygienist—one that changed the way I approach worker classification forever. This episode isn't legal, tax, or financial advice. It's an educational conversation designed to help you ask better questions and make informed decisions before accepting a position. 🦷 The difference between a W-2 employee and a 1099 independent contractor 🦷 Why temping does not automatically mean you're a 1099 contractor 🦷 What the IRS looks for when determining worker classification 🦷 Tennessee-specific considerations for dental hygienists 🦷 Common myths surrounding 1099 work—and the reality behind them 🦷 Why worker classification matters beyond just your paycheck 🦷 A personal lesson I learned the hard way This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In the next episode, "W-2 vs. 1099: The Financial Reality Every Dental Hygienist Needs to Understand," we'll take a deep dive into the financial side of the conversation. We'll compare real-world paycheck examples, discuss self-employment taxes, Social Security and Medicare, retirement planning, malpractice insurance, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, business expenses, and how to evaluate a job offer based on your total compensation—not just the hourly rate. I'd love to hear from you! Have a question, a workplace experience, or a topic you'd like featured on a future episode? Or maybe you have a great Hygiene Unfiltered story to share. 📝 Listener Submission Form: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit [https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit] 📧 Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com [scalingthetruth@gmail.com] If you found this episode helpful, please follow Scaling the Truth, leave a review, and share it with another dental hygienist. Every share helps bring honest, evidence-informed conversations to more dental professionals. Until next time… keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep Scaling the Truth. In this episode, we'll discuss:

Why Continuing Education & Networking Matter More Than Ever in Dental Hygiene

Continuing education and networking are about far more than collecting CE credits. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia dives into why staying connected, educated, and engaged matters deeply in modern dental hygiene. From burnout and isolation to patient care, advocacy, leadership, and the future of the profession — this is an honest conversation about why professional connection still matters. Email me: scalingthetruth@gmial.com or Submit your stories and episode ideas here: https://forms.gle/BhnWxJAJPzboZkhs8 #dentalhygiene #scalingthetruth #dentalhygienist #RDH #oralhealth #dentalhygieneadvocacy

Dry Mouth, Burning Tongue & Being Dismissed: The Oral Health Side of Perimenopause and Menopause

Dry mouth. Burning tongue. Changes in taste. More cavities. More mouth sores. For many women navigating perimenopause and menopause, these symptoms are very real—and far too often dismissed. In this episode, Alicia explores the connection between hormonal changes and oral health, shares her own experience with dry mouth and burning mouth symptoms, and discusses why dental professionals need to take these concerns seriously. Listener Submission Form: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com #ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #Perimenopause #Menopause #BurningMouthSyndrome #DryMouth #Xerostomia #WomenInHealthcare #OralHealth #DentalPodcast #RDH #DentalHygienist #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealthMatters

“I Hate the Dentist”: Turning Anxiety Into Trust in the Hygiene Chair

Dental anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to oral healthcare — and as dental hygienists, we see it every single day. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a deeper, more personal look at what it really means to care for anxious patients through a trauma-informed lens. From emotional safety and shame reduction to practical chairside strategies and communication shifts, this conversation explores how small moments of compassion can completely change a patient’s experience in the dental chair. This episode is a little different than previous conversations. It’s slower, more reflective, and focused on the human side of dental hygiene — because trust matters just as much as clinical care. Topics include: * Trauma-informed dental hygiene care * Dental anxiety and fear * Communication strategies for anxious patients * Emotional safety in healthcare * Shame and avoidance in dentistry * Practical chairside comfort techniques * The emotional realities of hygiene practice If you’ve ever had a patient say: “I hate coming to the dentist…” This episode is for you. Submit your story or topic ideas here: Scaling the Truth Submission Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3PoR6fqq_WUzOlbdOivMO--OZJYbnQ_soP407kzJYzMMUvw/viewform?usp=header&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com #DentalHygiene #TraumaInformedCare #DentalAnxiety #ScalingTheTruth #RDH #DentalPodcast #PatientCare #DentalProfessionals #HygieneUnfiltered #OralHealth

The Doctorate Debate: Is Dental Hygiene Ready for an Entry-Level Doctorate?

The ADHA has officially adopted policy supporting an entry-level doctorate degree for dental hygienists by 2032 — but what would that actually mean for the profession? In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a balanced deep dive into: * the reasoning behind the doctorate movement, * comparisons to the physical therapy model, * expanded scope and professional recognition, * workforce shortages, * rural healthcare concerns, * educational accessibility, * and what this could mean for the future of dental hygiene in states like Tennessee. This is not a debate episode. It’s an honest conversation about where the profession is headed — and who could be impacted along the way. Listener submissions: Scaling the Truth Submission Form