W-2 vs. 1099: The Financial Reality Every Dental Hygienist Needs to Understand | Part 2

A higher hourly rate doesn't always mean a better opportunity.In Part 2 of this special series, Alicia Walker takes a practical look at the financial realities behind W-2 and 1099 employment for dental hygienists—especially those who temp or fill in. Rather than getting lost in tax jargon and complicated numbers, this episode uses real-world examples to help you understand what your paycheck may (and may not) be telling you.We'll talk about total compensation, benefits, retirement planning, workers' compensation, malpractice insurance, unemployment benefits, and why understanding your financial picture is one of the most important forms of professional self-advocacy.Whether you're a new graduate, an experienced clinician, or a career temp, this episode will help you ask better questions, evaluate job offers with confidence, and make more informed decisions about your future.In this episode:Why the highest hourly rate isn't always the best opportunityThe hidden value of total compensationFinancial considerations every temp hygienist should understandQuestions to ask before accepting a positionWhy financial literacy is part of protecting your careerComing next: The Smart Temp Hygienist—practical strategies for building a successful, financially sound temping career, from setting healthy boundaries and evaluating offices to creating your ultimate temp toolkit.💜 I'd love to hear from you! Share your questions, stories, or future episode ideas through my anonymous listener submission form:https://bit.ly/scalingthetruth📧 Email: [email protected] you're enjoying Scaling the Truth with Alicia, please follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow dental hygienist. Your support helps us continue having honest conversations that strengthen our profession—one episode at a time.