RDHAP

RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) are licensed dental professionals with years of experience who specialize in treating patients with special needs, such as patients with mental or physical disabilities whose health conditions limit their abilities to access quality dental care.

The RDHAP delivers oral hygiene care to homebound clients, children in school setting and clients in residential care facilities and other institutions.

RDHAP may also establish practices in communities that have been designated as dental health professional shortage areas.

History

The California professional licensure category, called RDHAP, began as a Health Manpower Project in 1986. In 1998 after 12 years of study, the category was established by the legislature with 19 Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) receiving an RDHAP license.

In 2002 the first training program was approved. The first class graduated in 2003.

External links

* [http://www.comda.ca.gov/exam_hap.html RHDAP at COMDA]