Frequently
Asked Questions
Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice are licensed mid-level providers with a special California Dental Hygiene license which allows the practitioner to provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services.
All services are based on patient needs and consist of oral health services, preventative services, and Therapeutic Services.
Services can be provided at schools, facilities, institutions, hospitals, residential facilities, and private homes as well as communities that have a shortage of dental providers.
Once forms are completed consisting of health history, medical clearance, doctor prescriptions and form of payment is established.
An RDHAP may provide services for a homebound patient who presents a written prescription for dental hygiene services. Prescriptions must be issued by a dentist, physician, or surgeon, and valid for 15 months. The doctor who has performed a physical exam and diagnosis of the patient must be licensed to practice in the state of California. The diagnosis of the patient must happen prior to service.
Dental disease is preventable yet dental care is the most common unmet health need. Most barriers to receiving oral health services include provider shortage area, lack of insurance, and transportation issues. Preventative oral care can help lesson the contribution to more serious diseases like cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia, endocarditis (infection of the lining of areas in the heart), worsening of diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease along with much more systemic conditions.
I accept some insurance plans or can help with reimbursement. I also accept credit cards (Visa or Mastercard only), Pay-pal, Venmo, or cash payments.
The RDHAP can be the link between the patient rendering services, the caregivers for the patient, and the community as the working liaison from the dentist to that hard-to-reach patient.
Download and complete the medical history form and/or child health history form and notice of privacy forms. Call 818-273-4515 or email karrieonsmiles@gmail.com the service requested to schedule an appointment.