One of the perks of being a member of RDHAP Connect is being featured in a member spotlight on our website and social media pages. Today we’re spotlighting Lindsey Williams, RDHAP

Tell us a little about yourself. Where is your practice? Where did you attend dental hygiene school and take your RDHAP training?

I attended dental hygiene school at Oxnard College and have been a dental hygienist in private practice for 12 years. Seeking a new challenge, I decided to return to school and become an RDHAP, starting my own mobile practice in 2023. I completed my RDHAP training at the University of the Pacific in the Winter of 2022. With the help of my husband, I launched Polished, a mobile dental hygiene service. I was born and raised in Fairfield and enjoy serving the Napa and Solano community. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, whether traveling, hiking, or gardening.

What made you decide to become an RDHAP?

I saw the need for mobile dentistry while my grandmother was in and out of rehab centers, assisted living, and eventually hospice. She had to forgo her oral health needs because she couldn’t visit a dental office. This experience highlighted the necessity of accessible dental care. Additionally, the flexibility of running my own practice is beneficial as I now have two children.

What type of RDHAP practice do you have? Do you practice where the patients live, work, or go to school? Do you have a free-standing office? How does your practice model help increase a person’s ability to achieve good oral health?

My practice is completely mobile. My motto is oral health care for everyone, anywhere. I visit patients in various settings, ensuring they are comfortable and that their needs are met. My goal is to promote access to care by making dental services as accessible as possible. I act as a liaison between the living facility or program and the caregiver regarding the patient’s oral health needs.

What do you do if you find your dental hygiene patient needs to see a dentist for care?

I have established relationships with mobile dentists and specialists in treating patients with special needs, as well as my current boss in the private practice where I also work. I discuss the patient’s oral health goals with their caregiver and ensure everyone is informed and aligned on the care plan.

How do your patients pay for your services?

I operate on a fee-for-service basis. After years of dealing with the challenges insurance companies pose, I decided to avoid that struggle and not let insurance dictate treatment. My patients know fees upfront and can pay via credit card, cash, or check.

Once you complete their dental hygiene care, what then?

If a dentist refers a patient to me, I send a post-visit summary to the referring dentist. When working with a living facility, I send the summary to both the caregiver and the facility, along with any recommendations. Since most of my patients are in Living facilities, I offer a recurring appointment program for caregivers to ease the burden of scheduling every visit.

Is there anything else you would like to share with patients, family members, or other health professionals who care for people who can’t care for themselves?

Seeing the patient’s smile after receiving dental care for the first time in a long time is incredibly rewarding. Everyone deserves dental care and I am committed to helping this field expand, as mobile dentistry is a significant need.  

To contact or book a cleaning with Lindsey Williams, click her website HERE. You can also email her at info@polishedrdhap.com.

Are you an RDHAP and would like to be a part of our member spotlight? Become a member! Click HERE.