Whether you're looking for preventive dental hygiene care, periodontal maintenance, or mobile services, it's natural to have questions. Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often to help you better understand the services I provide and what you can expect during your visit.
A Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) is a California-licensed dental hygienist who has completed additional education and clinical training to provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services independently within their scope of practice. RDHAPs help improve access to oral healthcare by providing comprehensive oral health assessments, preventive and periodontal care, patient education, and personalized treatment recommendations in private practices and approved community-based settings, such as patients' homes, residential care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and other qualifying healthcare settings.
A boutique dental hygiene practice is designed to provide a more personalized and patient-centered experience. Appointments are reserved exclusively for you, allowing time for comprehensive oral health assessments, individualized recommendations, and evidence-based preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care in a calm, welcoming environment. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, every treatment recommendation is based on your unique oral health needs and designed to support your long-term oral health.
Yes! I welcome new patients for both my private office and mobile dental hygiene services.
No. You do not need to be an existing dental patient or have a referral to schedule an appointment.
As a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP), I am licensed to provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services independently within my scope of practice.
Yes. Dental hygienists and dentists have different but complementary roles in maintaining your oral health.
My focus is on preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care, including assessments, cleanings, periodontal therapy, oral cancer screenings, patient education, and other preventive services within my scope of practice.
I encourage all clients to maintain an ongoing relationship with a general dentist for comprehensive dental examinations, diagnosis, restorative treatment, and other services outside my scope of practice.
When additional dental treatment is needed, I'm happy to collaborate with your dentist or provide a referral to a trusted dental professional to help ensure continuity of care.
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, including a review of your medical and dental history, digital radiographs (as clinically indicated), intraoral photographs, a periodontal evaluation, and an oral cancer screening. Following your assessment, I will discuss my findings and recommend the dental hygiene services most appropriate for your individual needs.
Not necessarily. Your first appointment is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. It includes a comprehensive oral health assessment, review of your medical and dental history, digital radiographs (as clinically indicated), a periodontal evaluation, and personalized treatment recommendations.
Based on your clinical findings, I will recommend the dental hygiene services most appropriate for your individual needs. When clinically appropriate and appointment time permits, treatment may be provided during the same visit. Otherwise, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure you receive the time and care your treatment deserves.
Yes. Digital Radiographs (X-Rays) are recommended only when clinically indicated and are performed in accordance with California regulations and the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation safety standards. Digital radiographs are used alongside clinical findings to complete your dental hygiene assessment and create your care plan.
Your first visit is typically 90 minutes, allowing ample time for a comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment planning, and any recommended dental hygiene care.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every 3, 4, or 6 months based on your individual oral health needs, periodontal health, and risk factors.
Every appointment is thoughtfully scheduled to provide the time and attention needed for personalized, unrushed care.
If restorative or specialty treatment is recommended, I will coordinate your care with your general dentist or refer you to a trusted dental professional to help ensure continuity of care.
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or another dental emergency, please contact your dentist or seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.
If you experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial swelling that is rapidly worsening, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
As an RDHAP, I provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services but do not provide emergency or restorative dental treatment. If your oral health assessment indicates that additional dental treatment is needed, I will discuss my findings with you and provide a referral to the appropriate dental provider.
Treatment recommendations and fees are based on your individual oral health needs. Before any treatment is provided, I will review all recommended services and associated fees so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Yes. I am an in-network provider for Delta Dental (in-office & mobile services) and Medi-Cal Dental (currently for mobile services only)
For patients with Delta Dental or Medi-Cal: any applicable copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, or non-covered services are due at the time of your appointment.
For all other dental insurance plans, I operate as a fee-for-service practice, and payment is due at the time of your appointment.
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I will gladly provide a detailed receipt (superbill) for you to submit directly to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Your individual dental benefit plan determines coverage and reimbursement.
No. Dental insurance is not required. Boutique Membership Plans are designed as an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance and cannot be combined with dental insurance benefits.
Yes. I offer Boutique Membership Plans for children, adults, and patients requiring periodontal care. Each 12-month membership includes dental hygiene visits based on your clinical needs, comprehensive oral health assessments, and 10% savings on additional recommended dental hygiene services and adjunctive therapies. Your recommended membership is determined following your comprehensive oral health assessment.
I accept cash, Zelle, major credit and debit cards, HSA/FSA cards (when eligible), and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Afterpay is also available for eligible patients, allowing qualifying purchases to be paid over time. Payment is due at the time of service.
For patients enrolled in a Boutique Membership Plan, a valid credit or debit card must be kept on file for automatic monthly membership payments.
Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice are licensed and regulated by the Dental Hygiene Board of California | (916) 263-1978 | www.dhbc.ca.gov
Copyright © 2026 Trish Thomas, RDHAP - All Rights Reserved.
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