Resources for dental hygienists
If you’re temping as a dental hygienist, how you’re classified (W2 employee or 1099 independent contractor) can shape more than just your paycheck. It impacts your taxes, benefits, legal protections, and even how you plan your schedule or take time off. Some temp agencies treat hygienists as W2 employees, while others pay them as 1099 contractors. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right model for your needs. This guide breaks down the differences between W2 vs 1099, specifically for temping, so you can better understand what each model means in practice. Whether you're looking for maximum flexibility, long-term stability, or something in between, knowing how you're classified can help you choose the temping route that fits your career goals and lifestyle.
Apr 25, 2025
What Is W2 Employment in Temping?
Some temp agencies classify dental hygienists as W2 employees, even though you may work in different practices weekly. Under this model, the agency, not the dental office, acts as your employer.
That means the agency handles your tax withholdings for federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. You’ll receive a W-2 form summarizing your income and withholdings at the end of the year, just like a traditional employee would.
As a W2 temp, your schedule may still be flexible, but you’re covered by wage and hour protections, may qualify for unemployment benefits, and don’t have to worry about paying the full self-employment tax. Some agencies offer perks like direct deposit, liability coverage, or limited benefits.
What Is 1099 Employment in Temping?
Other temp agencies or platforms treat dental hygienists as 1099 independent contractors. You still accept temp shifts at different practices but are technically self-employed.
Instead of receiving a paycheck with taxes withheld, you’re paid the full amount upfront, and it’s your responsibility to calculate and pay taxes later. You’ll receive a 1099-NEC form from any agency or office that pays you more than $600 annually.
Because you’re considered your own business, you’re responsible for the entire 15.3% self-employment tax (covering both the employer and employee share of Social Security and Medicare). That adds up to roughly 8% more taxes than W2 status.
1099 temping can offer more independence and potentially higher pay per shift (though you’ll have to pay higher taxes), but it also comes with added responsibility, including handling taxes, tracking expenses, and securing your own insurance coverage.
Benefits of W2 Employment for Dental Hygienists
Working as a W2 employee through a temp agency offers a structured framework that can provide stability, predictability, and long-term support for your career. Here are some key advantages:
1. Simplified Tax Management
One of the biggest perks of W2 employment is how much easier it makes your tax life. Your agency automatically withholds income taxes and submits them on your behalf. You also pay around 8% less in taxes than 1099 contractors.
Automatic withholdings: Federal, state, and local taxes, as well as Social Security and Medicare, are deducted from each paycheck, reducing the risk of surprise tax bills.
Shared payroll tax responsibility: W2 employees pay only 7.65% toward Social Security and Medicare, with the employer covering the other half.
Simplified filing: At tax time, you’ll receive a W2 form summarizing your income and withholdings, making filing quicker and easier.
W2 status lightens the load for busy hygienists who don’t want to worry about bookkeeping, estimated payments, or surprise tax obligations.
2. Legal Protections and Coverage
W2 employment comes with legal and financial protections that support your health, safety, and career stability.
If you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation typically covers your medical expenses and lost wages. You’re also more likely to be protected under labor laws related to overtime, paid leave, and workplace rights.
By contrast, 1099 hygienists must secure their own coverage and may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs after a workplace injury.
3. Reduced Administrative Burden
Another overlooked benefit of W2 status is how much simpler it makes your professional life, especially when temping across multiple offices.
No need to track expenses or mileage for deductions
No invoicing, separate business accounts, or quarterly tax filings
Less stress around compliance or financial planning
With payroll, insurance, and tax contributions handled by your employer, you can focus on patient care instead of paperwork.
W2 vs 1099 for Dental Hygienists
The primary differences between W2 and 1099 for dental hygienists boil down to taxes and insurance. W2 workers pay fewer taxes because their employer pays half of their social security and Medicare tax (7.65%) , whereas 1099 employees pay the entire 15.3%. W2 employees are also covered with insurance and workers’ comp, whereas 1099 contractors are not.
Legality
Whether you’re working one-day fill-ins or longer temp assignments, classification must align with labor guidelines. Hygienists are almost always classified as employees because they are under the supervision of a dentist, use tools provided by the practice, and work a schedule set by the patients or the practice. Misclassifying hygienists as 1099 contractors can expose agencies and practices to penalties, resulting in higher taxes and fewer protections for you.
Flexibility
Some hygienists assume that 1099 status offers more freedom, but temp agencies that classify workers as W2 employees often still allow for highly flexible scheduling. With platforms like Teero, you can accept temp shifts on your terms while receiving W2 classification, which offers tax benefits and legal protections without sacrificing control over your schedule.
Compensation
It's a common belief that 1099 contractors earn more per hour, but W2 and 1099 temp roles typically pay similar hourly rates in dental hygiene. The key difference is in taxes. As a W2 employee, you don’t have to pay the full 15.3% self-employment tax; your employer covers half. That means your take-home pay may be higher than it would be in a 1099 arrangement, especially when you factor in the time and money spent on self-employment tax filings, insurance, and record-keeping.
Tax and Legal Considerations Between Classifications
Your tax responsibilities and protections vary significantly depending on whether you're classified as a W2 employee or a 1099 independent contractor.
W2 hygienists have taxes automatically withheld from each paycheck. Your employer also contributes half of your Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65%), reducing your overall tax burden.
1099 hygienists manage everything themselves, including paying the full 15.3% self-employment tax and making quarterly estimated payments. While business expenses can be deducted, tracking them adds to your administrative workload.
The IRS evaluates classification using four primary factors:
Behavioral control: Does the temp agency or practice decide how and when you work?
Supervision: Are you working under the supervision of your employer?
Financial control: Who sets your rate, provides supplies, and handles reimbursements?
Relationship type: Are you receiving benefits or working under a long-term agreement?
Misclassification—being labeled 1099 when you should be W2—can lead to penalties for the employer and lost benefits or protections for you. Some states, like California, apply stricter standards (e.g., the ABC test) that make it harder to classify workers as independent contractors.
Choose What Works for You
Deciding between W2 and 1099 temping as a dental hygienist comes down to what matters most to you: flexibility, financial simplicity, legal protection, or long-term stability.
W2 temping offers the structure of employee status, with simplified taxes, legal coverage, and peace of mind. 1099 temping can add responsibilities like self-employment taxes and insurance management.
If you’re looking for flexible temping opportunities without giving up the benefits and protections of W2 employment, Teero is here to help. All Teero hygienists are classified as W2 employees, meaning your taxes are handled, and you’re covered with workers’ compensation and malpractice insurance. W2 hygienists make the same hourly rate as 1099 contractors through Teero, and have fewer and easier taxes.
Ready to temp on your terms without the paperwork headaches? Explore opportunities with Teero or give us a call to learn more.