Scaling the Truth with Alicia is a podcast created by a hygienist, for hygienists. Each episode dives into the real conversations shaping dental hygiene today. From honest discussions about burnout and boundaries to transparent product opinions and stories that are funny, frustrating, and painfully relatable, this podcast is about elevating the profession without sugarcoating the truth. Featuring a recurring segment, Hygiene Unfiltered, listeners can expect candid conversations, real opinions, and voices from hygienists across the profession.
Scaling the Truth with Alicia
Claim This Podcastby Alicia Walker RDH,BSDH, FADHA
11 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
Scaling the Truth with Alicia is a podcast created by a hygienist, for hygienists. Each episode dives into the real conversations shaping dental hygiene today. From honest discussions about burnout and boundaries to transparent product opinions and stories that are funny, frustrating, and painfully relatable, this podcast is about elevating the profession without sugarcoating the truth. Featuring a recurring segment, Hygiene Unfiltered, listeners can expect candid conversations, real opinions, and voices from hygienists across the profession.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/20/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 11, 2026
The 1099 Myth: Why Tennessee Dental Hygienists Should Think Twice
<p>Should you accept a 1099 position as a temporary dental hygienist?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>🦷 The difference between a W-2 employee and a 1099 independent contractor<br>🦷 Why temping does <strong>not</strong> automatically mean you're a 1099 contractor<br>🦷 What the IRS looks for when determining worker classification<br>🦷 Tennessee-specific considerations for dental hygienists<br>🦷 Common myths surrounding 1099 work—and the reality behind them<br>🦷 Why worker classification matters beyond just your paycheck<br>🦷 A personal lesson I learned the hard way</p><p><strong>This is Part 1 of a two-part series.</strong></p><p>In the next episode, <strong>"W-2 vs. 1099: The Financial Reality Every Dental Hygienist Needs to Understand,"</strong> 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 <strong>total compensation—not just the hourly rate.</strong></p><p><strong>I'd love to hear from you!</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>📝 <strong>Listener Submission Form:</strong> <a href="https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit">https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit</a></p><p>📧 <strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:scalingthetruth@gmail.com">scalingthetruth@gmail.com</a></p><p>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.</p><p>Until next time… keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep <strong>Scaling the Truth.</strong></p><p>In this episode, we'll discuss:</p>
June 26, 2026
Why Continuing Education & Networking Matter More Than Ever in Dental Hygiene
<p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Email me: scalingthetruth@gmial.com</p><p>or</p><p>Submit your stories and episode ideas here: </p><p>https://forms.gle/BhnWxJAJPzboZkhs8</p><p>#dentalhygiene #scalingthetruth #dentalhygienist #RDH #oralhealth #dentalhygieneadvocacy</p><p><br></p>
June 12, 2026
Dry Mouth, Burning Tongue & Being Dismissed: The Oral Health Side of Perimenopause and Menopause
<p><strong>Dry mouth. Burning tongue. Changes in taste. More cavities. More mouth sores.</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Listener Submission Form:</strong> <a href="" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit</a></p><p><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="" rel="noopener">scalingthetruth@gmail.com</a></p><p>#ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #Perimenopause #Menopause #BurningMouthSyndrome #DryMouth #Xerostomia #WomenInHealthcare #OralHealth #DentalPodcast #RDH #DentalHygienist #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealthMatters</p><p><br></p>
11 total episodes available
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- What is Scaling the Truth with Alicia?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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