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 Valerie Lester, BSRDH, RDHAP.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda in 2007. and have been with the same dental practice for the last 17 years in Santa Rosa, California. I’ve always loved helping patients become comfortable with coming to the dentist.
While I absolutely love what I do and where I work, I wanted to expand my horizons professionally. I was intrigued from the moment I learned about RDHAPs and what they do. This was me! This is what I was supposed to do! I couldn’t wait to get out and work with patients who didn’t have the capacity to get dental care in a traditional dental office.
I began the RDHAP program at the University of the Pacific in 2023. My classes were performed remotely but included a local field study with a nearby RDHAP. Spending the day with her was one of the greatest days of my career. I learned so much from her!
Oh, so you are just starting your RDHAP practice. Very cool. Can you share your practice as it is evolving?
So, what is my daily life like now as an RDHAP? I still work 4 days per week for the same dentist. He has been exceptionally supportive of my professional growth. He is always available to answer questions that arise and is willing to do a home visit for someone with a dental emergency.
I am growing my own patient base by visiting care facilities and getting my business cards out there. I also find word of mouth to be a very important way to grow my RDHAP patient base, so don’t be afraid to talk about what you can offer. I share what I do with patients in the dental office and sometimes a patient will suddenly perk up and say something like “My aunt has mobility issues and has been looking for someone that can make house calls!”
Many of my patients are wheelchair-bound (some are even confined to a bed). I have a portable dental unit with air/water, suction, and an ultrasonic scaler. I also have hand instruments as well as a cordless polishing handpiece. I take my travel stool, and a lounge chair for the patient (if they can transfer). Every patient’s situation is a little different, so flexibility is an important part of being an RDHAP.
As my RDHAP business is growing, I typically see 1-3 patients on-site per week. I perform a lot of prophylaxis, scaling, oral cancer screenings, SDF, and fluoride treatments. While every patient is different, many have neglected oral health for several years. At times, multiple appointments are needed depending on the patient’s condition.
Sounds like your patients are very lucky to have you. It is also nice to hear how supportive your colleagues are of your services, as well. Together you are better serving all patients. Tell me about the billing and business side of being an RDHAP.
I do bill upfront but will submit reimbursement requests to insurance companies on the patient’s behalf. My dental office front desk staff has been amazing at helping me navigate this part of the business.
As a dental hygienist, I never dreamed I would be running my own business, but that is the reality of what an RDHAP does. I have found insurance to be the most daunting part of this journey. Put me in front of a patient and I’m ready to clean, treat, and educate them. Creating business cards & flyers, introducing myself to care facilities, and doing billing has been an entirely new experience.
On the upside, I get to make all my materials pink and sparkly!
The Tooth Diva
Valerie Lester, RDHAP
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