What is a RDHAP?

The U.S. Surgeon General released a census report on oral health in 2000. The report not only demonstrated links between oral health and systemic health, but the numbers were staggering. Detailed links between oral health and systemic health were included but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, and aspiratory pneumonia. The results determined two major groups exhibited a short fall in dental care. The elderly, in particular, was one of those groups. The State of California responded by creating a specialized licensure enabling dental hygienists the ability to maximize opportunities for improving overall systemic health through prevention. The RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) license allows for the licensee to provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services for the homebound, residential facilities, institutions, schools, and shortage areas designated by the State of California. The sole purpose of an RDHAP is to provide access to care despite any limitation. I felt drawn to the opportunity of performing my profession in such a

life-changing way and obtained this licensure. As a mobile hygienist, I am able to serve those who can no longer transport themselves into the office due to medical or physical disabilities. It is both humbling and rewarding to provide oral hygiene education to senior homes, skilled nursing facilities, and residences. Patients and their caregivers are provided the tools for consistent and thorough daily hygiene home care. Those who can benefit from our services are skilled nursing facility residents, assisted living residents, adult day care participants, developmentally disabled group home residents, patients in sub-acute care, patients that are homebound or bedbound, and the temporarily disabled. My patients are all ages and possess a wide range of medical challenges. Awareness is power and you have the ability to positively impact the lives of those around you by informing others about this treatment option.
Kimberly Cruz, RDHAP