
What are the disadvantages of being an independent contractor?
Should anesthetizing for your doctor increase your paycheck?
Can a dental hygienist be an independent contractor?
Is a dental hygienist considered an employee?

Can you make your own schedule as a dental hygienist?
Schedule flexibility Your schedule as a dental hygienist can be molded to what works for you. You can be full-time or part-time. You can work on a temporary basis or in a fill-in position. Many hygienists work for multiple dentists and offices and set their own schedule.
How much do independent dental hygienists make in Ontario?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 3222) usually earn between $26.06/hour and $44.00/hour in Ontario.
Are dental hygienists exempt employees in California?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) dental hygienists may be classified as exempt employees as “learned professionals” provided the employee meets certain requirements under a “primary duty” test. California law imposes a more restrictive standard, generally making it even harder for California employers to ...
Are dental hygienists allowed to do fillings?
A hygienist doesn't diagnose or treat dental problems and can't do fillings, extractions or other procedures that require a dental degree. However, they can assist the dentist with these procedures and play a crucial role as an additional set of hands.
Are dental hygienists self-employed?
Other dental professionals, such as dental hygienists and dental therapists may be self-employed or employed directly by a dental practice.
Where do hygienists make the most money?
Where Do Dental Hygienists Get Paid the Most in the United States?Fairbanks, Alaska — $117,760.San Francisco, California — $117,470.Santa Cruz, California — $116,960.Vallejo, California — $115,050.Napa, California — $113,870.Bremerton, Washington — $112,900.Riverside, California — $112,030.More items...
Can dental hygienists do crowns?
Some progressive states already allow dental hygienists to use dental lasers (after receiving training to be recognized as competent practitioners) and/or to perform more in-depth restorative procedures (such as placement and removal of temporary restorations and crowns; placement, carving and finishing of amalgam ...
What does a hygienist do that a dentist doesn t?
You really only spend a fair amount of time with your dentist if there's a problem — for example, you might need treatment for gum disease or have a cavity that needs to be filled. A hygienist, on the other hand, is there to maintain preventative care and help you to avoid any significant issues.
Can hygienist damage teeth?
Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease.
Where do dental hygienists make the most money in Ontario?
Highest paying cities for Dental Hygienists near OntarioEtobicoke, ON. $45.01 per hour. 91 salaries reported.Peterborough, ON. $44.08 per hour. 45 salaries reported.Toronto, ON. $43.70 per hour. 681 salaries reported.London, ON. $43.63 per hour. 96 salaries reported.$42.76 per hour. 246 salaries reported.Show more nearby cities.
How much do dental hygienists make in Ontario a year?
Entry-level positions start at $62,400 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $93,386 per year.
How much do dental hygienists make in Ontario per year?
$1,774 (CAD)/yr. The average dental hygienist gross salary in Ontario, Canada is $90,970 or an equivalent hourly rate of $44. This is 2% higher (+$1,871) than the average dental hygienist salary in Canada. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $1,774.
What is the highest paid dental hygienist in Canada?
Top companies for Dental Hygienists in CanadaBroadway Dental. 3.7 $53.94per hour. 14 reviews6 salaries reported.123Dentist. 4.0 $50.58per hour. 38 reviews6 salaries reported.Smiles Dental Group. 2.3 $50.55per hour. 12 reviews10 salaries reported.dentalcorp. 3.8 $49.75per hour. ... York Region. 4.2 $48.48per hour. ... Show more companies.
Is a Hygienist an Independent Contractor or Employee?
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Employees Vs Independent Contractors in Dentistry
The vast majority of non-owner dentists and hygienists working in clinical care are employees as determined by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules.Dental business owners should particularly examine IRS key points for control when classifying workers.
What makes someone an independent contractor?
Depending on the situation, there are a number of different tests that can apply to this question. To give you just a glimpse of the complexity—and why there’s so much confusion around this issue—the IRS, the DOL and your state and local authorities, all apply different tests. So, if the question arises in the context of federal tax withholdings, the IRS’s “Control Test” might apply; if the question arises in the context of a FLSA violation, then the DOL’s “Economic Realities Test” could apply; and if a Title VII, ADA or ERISA violation is at issue, then the “Darden” common law test (a.k.a. the “20-Factor Test”) could apply. And, finally, some courts use a hybrid test, blending elements of the Darden test with the Economic Realities Test. See, e.g., Alexander v. Avera St. Luke’s Hosp., 768 F.3d 756, 764 (8th Cir. 2014) and Deal v. State Farm County Mut. Ins. Co. of Texas, 5 F.3d 117, 118-19 (5th Cir. 1993). In fact, each State has its own local laws that can add even more variance. A simple summary of these tests across all 50 states comes in at around 150 pages!
How many factors are considered independent contractors?
Here's a handy table that breaks down the 20 factors and summarizes when each can favor or disfavor classification as an independent contractor.
Can a dental office treat you as an independent contractor?
Some will tell you that a dental office is completely within its rights to treat you as an independent contractor, if that’s what you agreed to. Others will tell you that it’s straight up illegal for a dental office to classify you as an independent contractor.
Is a dentist an independent contractor?
As you can see, most factors favor your treatment as an independent contractor, a few are ambiguous and only four fall in the “employee” category. Add to this that your agreement with the dental offices states that you are an independent contractor, and this strongly supports a determination that you are in fact one. Now, of course, this can change if you start working repeatedly for the same office, day after day. The details of the relationship continue to matter.
Can a dental office treat you as an employee?
As you can see, pretty much every single factor favors your treatment as an employee. It would be very difficult for a dental office to legally support an alternative position. In this situation, you should insist that the office treat you as an employee.
What makes someone an independent contractor?
Depending on the situation, there are a number of different tests that can apply to this question. To give you just a glimpse of the complexity—and why there’s so much confusion around this issue—the IRS, the DOL and your state and local authorities, all apply different tests.
The 20-Factor Test
Here’s a handy table that breaks down the 20 factors and summarizes when each can favor or disfavor classification as an independent contractor.
Where does that leave us?
Classification as an independent contractor is a viable option for hygienists, and can be hugely empowering. You are your own boss. You set your own working hours. You have your own online brand and professional reputation. You set your own pay, and can get paid same day rather than waiting two weeks for payroll to run.
What does SS8 mean for hygienists?
These hygienists just lost all worker protection provided on a state and federal level. The IRS is now putting a spotlight on these activities. Filing an SS8 form puts the IRS on notice that a worker may have been misclassified. A file will be opened and eventually the IRS will make a ruling.
Did Lily Scott get a 1099?
In 2018 she worked one temp day at a local office. On Saturday, she received a 1099 reporting the $271 she earned that day. Lily Scott was distressed and was trying to figure out what to do.
Do dental hygiene programs have to be misclassified?
Some dental hygiene programs include this information in their curriculum, but dental hygienists who graduated decades ago may not be familiar with the hazards of being misclassified. Some states, like California, have very robust regulations on worker rights. It is important to know where you stand.
Can a dental hygienist be a contractor?
Sometimes, the employer will claim their accountant has determined it is OK to pay a dental hygienist as a contractor, but the IRS definition of an independent contractor is very clear and specific. It is quite rare that a dental hygien ist would qualify under the IRS guidelines as a contractor.
Is it illegal for Lily Scott to not report her wages?
Option one: The IRS is aware of the wages she earned, so failing to report the wages is not only illegal, it can put her under the spotlight. Failing to report the income can also have consequences when filing state income taxes.
Do dental hygienists have to know tax rules?
While we are dental hygienists and not tax experts, it’s a good idea to understand the basic tax rules. Young adults need this information before they ever enter the workforce. Learning the rules from the school of hard knocks is painful. Some dental hygiene programs include this information in their curriculum, but dental hygienists who graduated decades ago may not be familiar with the hazards of being misclassified. Some states, like California, have very robust regulations on worker rights. It is important to know where you stand.
How to determine if a worker is an independent contractor?
In order to determine if a worker is an independent contractor or an employee in the eyes of the IRS, businesses must weigh common law rules— facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence in the relationship between a worker and a business. These degrees of control fall into three categories:
Why is the IRS involved in independent contractor classification?
The IRS is involved in independent contractor classification because they must provide guidelines for employers’ tax liability. Depending on the type of business relationship an employer has with their workers, they may or may not be responsible for withholding income taxes, withholding and paying Social Security and Medicare taxes, and paying unemployment tax on wages.
Is a dental hygienist an independent contractor?
The dental care industry is not immune. For many years, dental practice owners have treated associates and some registered dental hygienists as independent contractors. The classification of an individual as an independent contractor is largely dependent on federal and state tests, not an employer’s desire to reduce administrative burdens or payroll costs.
What is independent contractor?
Independent contractors often advertise, maintain a visible business location, and are available to work in the relevant market. The business relationship continues, and the work is performed is a key aspect of the business.
Who is Dianne Glasscoe?
DIANNE GLASSCOE WATTERSON, RDH, BS, MBA, is a professional speaker, writer, and consultant to dental practices across the United States. Dianne's new book, "The Consummate Dental Hygienist: Solutions for Challenging Workplace Issues," is now available on her website. To contact her for speaking or consulting, call (301) 874-5240 or email dglass [email protected]. Visit her website at www.professionaldentalmgmt.com.
What are the disadvantages of being an independent contractor?
However, there are disadvantages to demanding immediate compensation. When you act as an independent contractor, you pay more taxes. For example, the employee tax rate for social security is 6.2%, the self-employment social security tax rate is 12.4%.
Should anesthetizing for your doctor increase your paycheck?
DON’T MISS: Increasing Productivity by Anesthetizing for Your Doctor Should Increase Your Paycheck
Can a dental hygienist be an independent contractor?
1 ” There are a few states that allow hygienists to have their own practice by obtaining an expanded practice permit and in that case, they would fall into this category. However, for most dental hygienists, this is not the case.
Is a dental hygienist considered an employee?
However, for most dental hygienists, this is not the case. Clearly, if you have a regular job you report to daily, then you are an employee. The confusion seems to come into play when hygienists take temp jobs or temp full-time. If you are a full or part-time temp, you fall into the common-law employee category.
What Makes Someone An Independent Contractor?
- Depending on the situation, there are a number of different tests that can apply to this question. To give you just a glimpse of the complexity—and why there’s so much confusion around this issue—the IRS, the DOL and your state and local authorities, all apply different tests. So, if the question arises in the context of federal tax withholdings, the IRS’s “Control Test” might apply; if …
The 20-Factor Test
- Here’s a handy table that breaks down the 20 factors and summarizes when each can favor or disfavor classification as an independent contractor. Now, it’s important to understand that no one factor is controlling. Rather, adjudicators take a comprehensive view of the entire relationship in an effort to ascertain the degree of the worker’s independence. Also of relevance, though not …
The 20 Factors Applied
- Let’s see what the 20-Factor Test says for two common scenarios. Example 1: You are a full-time hygienist working Monday through Friday at a single dental office. You’ve been working there for over a month now. Employee or independent contractor? Here’s how things look on our 20-Factor table. Green boxes mean the row favors independent contractor status. Blue boxes mean the ro…
Where Does That Leave Us?
- Classification as an independent contractor is a viable option for hygienists, and can be hugely empowering. You are your own boss. You set your own working hours. You have your own online brand and professional reputation. You set your own pay, and can get paid same day rather than waiting two weeks for payroll to run. You can try out offices befo...