1099 dental hygienist? How temp shift taxes work
By the Steady Ground team ·
Temp shifts are a great way for hygienists and dental assistants to pick their own days. But before you say yes to a shift, look for two small labels: W-2 or 1099. If you work as a 1099 dental hygienist or assistant, the same hourly rate is worth less than it looks. Here's why, and how to plan for it.
W-2 vs 1099, in plain words
W-2 shifts
You're a temp employee of that office. The office takes taxes out of your pay. At the end of the year, you get a W-2 form from each office.
1099 shifts
You're treated as a contractor, which means you work for yourself. The office pays you the full amount. No taxes come out. You report the income yourself on a form called Schedule C. And you pay the taxes on it.
The 15.3% you can't forget
On 1099 work, you pay a self-employment tax of 15.3%. That's on top of regular income tax. It kicks in once you make $400 or more in net earnings. Net means what's left after your business costs.
This is why a 1099 rate and a W-2 rate aren't the same. On a W-2 shift, the office pays part of these taxes for you. On a 1099 shift, it's all on you.
Who decides if a shift is W-2 or 1099?
On TempStars, a dental temp app, each office chooses for each shift. It depends on state and local law. The listing tells you which one it is. So read it before you accept.
But a label isn't the whole story. The IRS says whether someone is really a contractor depends on the facts, like who controls the work. In California, hygienists and temps generally can't be treated as contractors.
Don't forget insurance
This one catches people off guard. A hygienist who works for one dentist is usually covered by that dentist's insurance. But a temp or contractor may not be.
- Ask each office, in writing, if you're covered.
- Or get your own liability insurance. One insurance marketplace puts it at about $500 a year. Get a quote for your role and state.
- Some states have their own rules. Colorado, for example, requires hygienists to carry insurance.
What else you give up
Temp work usually has no paid time off and no benefits. If you rely on a job for health insurance, keep that in mind. When you compare a temp rate with a regular job, look at the whole package, not just the hourly number.
Set up on day one, not in April
- Track every shift and every payment in one place. A simple spreadsheet works.
- Note which shifts were 1099 and which were W-2.
- Read up on quarterly payments. People with 1099 income often pay taxes four times a year. Learn how before your first big month.
- Keep each shift confirmation. It should show your rate, hours, status and what happens if the day is cancelled.
What temp shifts pay
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median pay is about $47.16 an hour for dental hygienists and $23.11 for dental assistants. On TempStars, you set your own hourly rate. Offices pay you directly, and each office pays TempStars $38 for each completed shift. TempStars says the app is free for professionals.
One more thing: TempStars covers only part of the U.S. Ask how many shifts are posted near you each week. If it's quiet in your area, call local offices and dental staffing agencies.
Want the full checklist, from your license to your first shift? Read our dental temp guide. Thinking about a different healthcare path? See what registered nurses do. Or take the career quiz.
Quick answers
Do 1099 dental hygienists pay more in taxes?
They pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on top of income tax, once they make $400 or more in net earnings. On W-2 shifts, the office withholds taxes and pays part of these for you.
Can a dental office choose 1099 or W-2?
On TempStars, each office chooses for each shift based on state and local law, and the listing shows which it is. Whether you're really a contractor depends on the facts, like who controls the work.
Do temp hygienists need their own insurance?
Often, yes. A temp may not be covered by the office's policy, so ask in writing or get your own. Some states, like Colorado, require hygienists to carry it.
Where these facts come from
We checked these sources when we wrote this post. Rules and fees change, so check them before you pay for anything.