WHAT IS AN RDHAP?
Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP)
*A Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) is committed to bringing essential oral healthcare to those who need it most. RDHAPs provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, all without the direct supervision of a dentist. This allows care to reach individuals who might otherwise go unseen or untreated.
Through specialized training, RDHAPs not only deliver high-quality oral care but also provide disease prevention, early treatment, and timely referrals, focusing on patients who face significant barriers to traditional dental offices. This includes people who are homebound, living in assisted care facilities, recovering in rehabilitation hospitals, or attending schools in underserved communities.
In many areas, communities face shortages of dentists, and some offices are unable to treat patients with physical, cognitive, or behavioral challenges—or those covered by Medi-Cal Dental. For these individuals, care cannot wait, and it must often come to them. RDHAPs make that care possible, bringing oral health services directly to homes or facilities, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.
For more than 20 years, RDHAPs have been a lifeline for patients who might otherwise go without care. By providing preventive services, identifying urgent needs, and guiding patients toward appropriate treatment, RDHAPs improve not just oral health, but overall well-being. Each visit is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
California law allows RDHAPs to provide these essential services, but after 18 months from an initial visit, a written prescription from a dentist, physician, or surgeon is required to continue treatment. Even within these regulations, RDHAPs remain dedicated to ensuring that every patient has access to the care they deserve—care that is compassionate, accessible, and life-changing.
Where we love to be...
-Skilled nursing facilities,
-Retirement care homes,
-Residential homes,
-Community facilities,
-Hospitals and Schools
Do I qualify as a patient?
House call services are designed for anyone who may find it difficult—or even overwhelming—to visit a traditional dental office. This may include individuals with:
- Mobility limitations or fall risk
- Anxiety about clinical settings
- Complex medical conditions
- Cognitive or memory challenges
If getting to the dental office has become a barrier, Cathy can come directly to you.
Do I Need a Medical Clearance?
Sometimes. In certain situations, I will collaborate with your physician to make sure treatment is safe and appropriate for your unique needs. This extra step helps us plan the best care possible.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend premedication before dental cleanings or assessments, depending on your health history. Our goal is always your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Description of services
New Patient Appointment
- Medical history review & clearance
- Oral hygiene assessment & cancer screening
- Cleaning (scaling, polish, fluoride)
- Customized home-care instructions
Dental Cleanings
- Prophy: Scaling, polish, floss, fluoride (for healthy gums)
- Deep Cleaning (SRP): Removes deposits/toxins causing gum disease
Fluoride Treatments
- Topical Fluoride/Varnish: Strengthens enamel, helps reverse early decay
- Silver Diamine Fluoride: Arrests cavities without anesthesia; ideal for patients unable to tolerate conventional care
Oral Cancer Screening
- Visual exam and palpation of jaw, neck, and throat for abnormalities
Periodontal Care
- Assessment: Gum measurements to detect disease
- Maintenance Therapy: Specialized cleaning every 3–4 months post-SRP to maintain stability
Oral Health Education
- Individualized guidance for patients and caregivers to support best home care
Additional Notes
- Referrals provided for treatment outside RDHAP scope
- Fees vary by diagnosis and treatment needs
- Power of Attorney documentation required, if applicable
dental xrays and intraoral pictures
Dental X-rays are an essential part of maintaining your oral health. They allow dental professionals to see beyond what’s visible during an exam, helping identify concerns such as cavities, infections, bone loss, or other conditions that may not yet be causing symptoms.
Safe and Effective
While it’s natural to have concerns about radiation, dental X-rays use very low levels of exposure—much smaller than what we encounter in our everyday environment. With modern technology, they are safe, quick, and an important tool in ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Cathy’s Mission
Cathy’s mission is simple: to ensure that everyone has access to extraordinary oral hygiene care—without unnecessary barriers. You deserve the freedom to choose your provider and to receive the care you need.
Insurance & Payment
While many insurance plans do not currently recognize RDHAPs as providers, we are considered an out-of-network provider. Payment is due at the time of service.
*As a courtesy, we will gladly assist in completing and submitting your insurance claim. Any reimbursements will be sent directly to the insured.*
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and all major credit/debit cards (processing fees may apply).
Affordable, Accessible Care
We are committed to offering affordable pricing for patients and their families, focusing on preventive services that protect health and quality of life. It is our sincere hope that you’ll consider receiving the oral hygiene care you need—delivered directly to your doorstep.
For the caregiver
We see you.
Life’s unexpected challenges can take any family by surprise, and the work of a caregiver never truly ends. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a relocation, or navigating new living arrangements and support options, the journey is rarely simple.
Even something as routine as a dental appointment can become overwhelming—packing mobility devices, medications, hygiene supplies, and navigating traffic—all before even stepping foot in the dental office.
This is where Cathy can step in to help. With her specialized training, she brings professional oral hygiene care directly to your home or care facility, giving you back valuable time and peace of mind.
By bringing dental care to your doorstep, Cathy not only eases the burden of travel, but also helps reduce risks associated with falls and other complications. It’s care delivered with compassion, convenience, and a deep understanding of the challenges you face.
Simple Stats
-Dental caries (tooth decay) remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adult (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
-About 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 years or older had a mild, moderate, or severe level of periodontitis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Q: Can a gum infections spread to your heart?
A: Yes, bacteria from gum infections (like periodontitis) can potentially spread to the heart, potentially causing inflammation or even infections of the heart lining or valves, increasing the risk of heart disease. See attachment below
About THE OWNER
Cathy Olander, RDHAP, BS
I was born and raised here in California, and I feel truly blessed to have built my career serving the people of this state and beyond. As a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice, I’ve received specialized training that allows me to bring care directly to those who may not have access to traditional dental settings.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia—caring for patients of all ages and walks of life. From little ones just starting their journey with oral health, to older adults facing challenges with dexterity or disabilities, each person I’ve cared for has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to this work.
I’ve also had the honor of serving as an educator, guiding future dental hygienists and sharing the passion that has fueled my own career. These experiences have reminded me, time and again, that dental hygiene is not just about cleanings or checkups—it’s about dignity, compassion, and making a real difference in someone’s quality of life.
As I reflect on this journey, I hold close a simple truth: Life is not a race, but a journey. For me, this journey has been about service, connection, and love for my community. And as we gather here today, I invite you to join me in that same spirit. People depend on us—not only for care, but for hope. Let’s fulfill that promise together.
education
Professional License/ certificates:
Cathy Olander, RDHAP, BSDH, RDH
- RDH in Alternative Practice – License #HAP 1158
- Registered Dental Hygienist – License #35550
- Specialized Training & Certifications: Local Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Administration, Periodontal Soft Tissue Curettage, Radiographic Decision-Making
- Safety & Compliance: BLS/CPR Certified (American Heart Association), OSHA & HIPAA Compliant
Professional Education:
- Modesto Junior College – AS & AA Degrees
- San Joaquin Valley College – BSDH, RDH
- Northern California University – RDHAP