Scaling the Truth with Alicia

Alicia Walker RDH,BSDH, FADHA
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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.

Episodes

  1. Jul 11

    The 1099 Myth: Why Tennessee Dental Hygienists Should Think Twice

    Should you accept a 1099 position as a temporary dental hygienist? 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. 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. 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. 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. 🦷 The difference between a W-2 employee and a 1099 independent contractor🦷 Why temping does not automatically mean you're a 1099 contractor🦷 What the IRS looks for when determining worker classification🦷 Tennessee-specific considerations for dental hygienists🦷 Common myths surrounding 1099 work—and the reality behind them🦷 Why worker classification matters beyond just your paycheck🦷 A personal lesson I learned the hard way This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In the next episode, "W-2 vs. 1099: The Financial Reality Every Dental Hygienist Needs to Understand," 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 total compensation—not just the hourly rate. I'd love to hear from you! 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. 📝 Listener Submission Form: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit 📧 Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com 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. Until next time… keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep Scaling the Truth. In this episode, we'll discuss:

    The 1099 Myth: Why Tennessee Dental Hygienists Should Think Twice

  2. Jun 26

    Why Continuing Education & Networking Matter More Than Ever in Dental Hygiene

    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. 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. Email me: scalingthetruth@gmial.com or Submit your stories and episode ideas here: https://forms.gle/BhnWxJAJPzboZkhs8 #dentalhygiene #scalingthetruth #dentalhygienist #RDH #oralhealth #dentalhygieneadvocacy

    Why Continuing Education & Networking Matter More Than Ever in Dental Hygiene

  3. Jun 12

    Dry Mouth, Burning Tongue & Being Dismissed: The Oral Health Side of Perimenopause and Menopause

    Dry mouth. Burning tongue. Changes in taste. More cavities. More mouth sores. 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. Listener Submission Form: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com #ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #Perimenopause #Menopause #BurningMouthSyndrome #DryMouth #Xerostomia #WomenInHealthcare #OralHealth #DentalPodcast #RDH #DentalHygienist #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealthMatters

    Dry Mouth, Burning Tongue & Being Dismissed: The Oral Health Side of Perimenopause and Menopause

  4. May 29

    “I Hate the Dentist”: Turning Anxiety Into Trust in the Hygiene Chair

    Dental anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to oral healthcare — and as dental hygienists, we see it every single day. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a deeper, more personal look at what it really means to care for anxious patients through a trauma-informed lens. From emotional safety and shame reduction to practical chairside strategies and communication shifts, this conversation explores how small moments of compassion can completely change a patient’s experience in the dental chair. This episode is a little different than previous conversations. It’s slower, more reflective, and focused on the human side of dental hygiene — because trust matters just as much as clinical care. Topics include: Trauma-informed dental hygiene careDental anxiety and fearCommunication strategies for anxious patientsEmotional safety in healthcareShame and avoidance in dentistryPractical chairside comfort techniquesThe emotional realities of hygiene practiceIf you’ve ever had a patient say: “I hate coming to the dentist…” This episode is for you. Submit your story or topic ideas here:Scaling the Truth Submission Form Email:scalingthetruth@gmail.com #DentalHygiene #TraumaInformedCare #DentalAnxiety #ScalingTheTruth #RDH #DentalPodcast #PatientCare #DentalProfessionals #HygieneUnfiltered #OralHealth

    “I Hate the Dentist”: Turning Anxiety Into Trust in the Hygiene Chair

  5. May 16

    The Doctorate Debate: Is Dental Hygiene Ready for an Entry-Level Doctorate?

    The ADHA has officially adopted policy supporting an entry-level doctorate degree for dental hygienists by 2032 — but what would that actually mean for the profession? In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a balanced deep dive into: the reasoning behind the doctorate movement,comparisons to the physical therapy model,expanded scope and professional recognition,workforce shortages,rural healthcare concerns,educational accessibility,and what this could mean for the future of dental hygiene in states like Tennessee.This is not a debate episode. It’s an honest conversation about where the profession is headed — and who could be impacted along the way. Listener submissions:Scaling the Truth Submission Form

    The Doctorate Debate: Is Dental Hygiene Ready for an Entry-Level Doctorate?

  6. May 8

    The Oral Preventive Assistant Model: Access, Efficiency… or a Turning Point for Dental Hygiene?

    The Oral Preventive Assistant model is gaining traction across dentistry—but what does it actually mean for patient care, access, and the future of dental hygiene? In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a deep dive into the OPA model, breaking down what it is, why it’s being proposed, and the growing controversy surrounding expanded preventive duties for dental assistants. From workforce shortages and efficiency pressures to clinical judgment, patient safety, and the value of comprehensive preventive care, this conversation goes far beyond “who can do a cleaning.” This episode also features a powerful Hygiene Unfiltered listener story that highlights why assessment and critical thinking matter in every preventive appointment. Whether you support the model, oppose it, or are still figuring out where you stand—this episode is designed to inform, challenge, and start honest conversations about where dentistry is headed next. 🎧 Topics Discussed:• What the Oral Preventive Assistant model actually is• Workforce shortages and access-to-care arguments• The difference between procedures and clinical judgment• Risks of underdiagnosing periodontal disease• Education and training disparities• Prevention as a discipline—not just a task• The future of dental hygiene and preventive care 📩 Submit your stories, questions, or experiences for future Hygiene Unfiltered segments:https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit 📧 scalingthetruth@gmail.com #ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #RDH #PreventiveCare #OralPreventiveAssistant #DentalPodcast #DentalHygienist #PeriodontalDisease #HygieneUnfiltered #DentalAdvocacy

    The Oral Preventive Assistant Model: Access, Efficiency… or a Turning Point for Dental Hygiene?

  7. Apr 18

    “Fluoride, Fear, and the Future of Prevention: A Real Conversation We Need to Have”

    Is fluoride helping—or harming? And where does hydroxyapatite really fit in modern dentistry?Let’s break through the noise and get to the truth about prevention, patient trust, and what actually works. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia Walker, RDH, dives into one of the most talked-about—and often misunderstood—topics in dentistry today: community water fluoridation and the growing shift toward hydroxyapatite toothpaste. This isn’t a debate.This is a real conversation. From the public health benefits of fluoridation to the rising concerns around safety, dosage, and patient autonomy, Alicia breaks down what the science actually says—without judgment, without fear, and without oversimplifying the issue. In this episode, we cover: What community water fluoridation actually does—and why it still mattersThe truth behind common fluoride concerns (IQ, toxicity, overexposure, and ethics)Why patient trust is at the center of this conversationHow hydroxyapatite toothpaste works and where it fits in modern preventionFluoride vs hydroxyapatite: what clinicians need to knowA patient-centered approach to prevention that moves beyond “one-size-fits-all”🎙️ Have a story or perspective to share? Submit it here:https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Whether you’re a dental hygienist, dental professional, or a patient trying to make informed decisions about your oral health—this episode will give you clarity, context, and confidence in a conversation that deserves more than headlines. 🎙️ Because prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all—and trust matters just as much as science.

    “Fluoride, Fear, and the Future of Prevention: A Real Conversation We Need to Have”

  8. Apr 3

    Advocacy, Voice, and the Future of Dental Hygiene

    Advocacy in dental hygiene isn’t just about legislation—it starts in the operatory. In this episode of Scaling the Truth with Alicia, we explore how everyday clinical challenges, workplace dynamics, and professional expectations all connect to the bigger picture of advocacy and respect within our field. Alicia shares personal experiences from over three decades in dental hygiene, along with insights from her work in leadership and advocacy, to highlight: How far the profession has come—and where it’s still stuckWhy involvement in your professional organization mattersThe connection between clinical conditions and professional valueHow your voice can influence the future of dental hygieneFeaturing a Hygiene Unfiltered listener story that brings real-world perspective to the conversation. This episode features a listener story from Betsy ofDentEdge Sharpening, LLC Providing on-site dental instrument sharpening to support hygienists in Knoxville and surrounding areas with optimal clinical performance, ergonomics, and patient comfort. Contact her at 423-351-3013 Have a story to share about burnout, advocacy, patient care, or real-life hygiene experiences? Submit here (anonymous option available):👉 https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Or email directly:📧 scalingthetruth@gmail.com Your story could be featured in an upcoming episode of Scaling the Truth with Alicia.

    Advocacy, Voice, and the Future of Dental Hygiene

  9. Mar 20

    Dental Hygienist Burnout Recovery: Rebuilding Your Career Without Guilt or Pressure

    Burnout is becoming one of the most talked-about issues in the dental hygiene profession — but almost no one talks about what recovery actually looks like. In Part Two of the burnout series on Scaling the Truth, dental hygienist and host Alicia Walker shares an honest conversation about what happens after burnout. This episode explores the emotional, physical, and professional realities many hygienists face when the career they once loved starts to feel unsustainable. Drawing from over 30 years in dental hygiene, Alicia shares personal stories of stepping away from a full-time position, temping to regain perspective, and rediscovering purpose in the profession. In this episode, we talk about: • What burnout really does to dental hygienists• Why recovery is more than just taking time off• The three phases of burnout recovery• Letting go of guilt when you change your schedule or boundaries• How hygienists can rebuild a sustainable career in clinical practice• Rediscovering your “why” in dental hygiene If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the career you once loved, this conversation is for you. Burnout does not have to be the end of your dental hygiene career. Sometimes it’s the beginning of a healthier one. Listener submissions: Share your burnout or recovery story anonymously: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit

    Dental Hygienist Burnout Recovery: Rebuilding Your Career Without Guilt or Pressure

  10. Mar 6

    Burnout isn't a Personal Failure

    Burnout in dental hygiene is more common than we talk about — and it’s not a personal weakness. In this episode, I share my personal experience with dental hygiene burnout, unrealistic workload expectations, and the emotional toll of full-time clinical practice. I open up about leaving a full-time office, transitioning into temping as a dental hygienist to regain work-life balance, and how continuing education courses and dental hygiene conferences helped me rediscover my professional purpose. We discuss boundary setting in dentistry, redefining success in a dental hygienist career, and what burnout recovery can actually look like in real life. If you’re a dental hygienist feeling exhausted, questioning your future in clinical hygiene, or searching for renewed motivation in your career, this conversation is for you. Have a story, product opinion, or topic we should talk about?Submit it—anonymously or by name—for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode. Submit here:https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Let’s scale the truth—together. Disclaimer: The opinions shared on Scaling the Truth with Alicia are based on personal experience and professional perspective as a dental hygienist. Product discussions reflect honest opinions and are not endorsements unless explicitly stated. Sponsored content will always be clearly disclosed. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes and does not replace professional judgment or clinical guidelines.

    Burnout isn't a Personal Failure

  11. Feb 20

    Why we need to Scale the Truth

    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—professional development, career growth, advocacy, and the clinical realities we live every day in the op. 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. If you’re ready for honesty, growth, and community—this is your space. I really want to hear from you! Please submit your Hygiene Unfiltered Story, product feedback, professional development question, career experience/lesson learned, or topic suggestion for a future episode by clicking this link to my Google Form. Product & Opinion Disclaimer: The opinions shared on Scaling the Truth with Alicia are based on personal experience and professional perspective as a dental hygienist. Product discussions reflect honest opinions and are not endorsements unless explicitly stated. Sponsored content will always be clearly disclosed. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes and does not replace professional judgment or clinical guidelines.

    Why we need to Scale the Truth
  • 11 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Alicia Walker RDH,BSDH, FADHA
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alicia Walker RDH,BSDH, FADHA
  • Show Website
    Scaling the Truth with Alicia