I am attempting to withdrawal from my 401k for Dental work I have to do. First Question- Is this considered a hardship? Second question- If not, can I simply withdrawal my 401k and pay the penalties? My employer is telling me as long as I work for them, I can not withdraw from my 401k. Would that be correct?

Appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks!

The general answer is that you might not be able take a distribution while still employed--it depends on your plan.

You will need to look at your plan's Summary Plan Description (SPD) to see what is available to you. You might have the right to take a Hardship Withdrawal for certain purposes, including uninsured dental expenses. You might have the ability to take out a loan, and use that to pay the dental expense. And if you are age 59 1/2, you might have the right to take a distribution while still employed.

RCK