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 Cheryll Kidd, RDHAP. Below is a little information about Elise.
Spotlight Questions to Consider:
- Tell us a little about yourself. Where is your practice? Where did you attend dental hygiene school and take your RDHAP training?
My practice is in southern San Diego County, but I serve all east and north county too. I attended dental hygiene school through Southwestern College and graduated in 2016. I went to the University of the Pacific for my RDHAP training.
- What made you decide to become an RDHAP?
Multiple factors. I took care of my grandma with Alzheimer’s for 6 years and during that time realized the limited mobile services in my area, especially dental care. I also like the idea of working for myself and helping those with limited access to health care. Prior to becoming a hygienist, I coached gymnastics at the YMCA and provided private lessons for children with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Those experiences planted the seed for wanting to continue working with this population in the future.
- 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?
I have portable practice and see patients who are homebound, in assisted living, or in skilled nursing clinics, like memory care.
- What do you do if you find your dental hygiene patient needs to see a dentist for care?
I have a few referrals for individual mobile dentists who were already working with patients I see and a company that has mobile dentists throughout San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. There is also a Facebook group of fellow RDHAPs that I can reference.
- How do your patients pay for your services?
I am currently private pay or fee-for-service. I am looking into becoming a Medi-Cal provider but haven’t started that process yet.
- Once you complete their dental hygiene care, then what?
I follow up for recare or further treatments such as Silver Diamine Fluoride or Scaling and Root Planing. For any suspicious areas, I take intra-oral photos and review them with a dentist for their opinion if an x-ray is needed or if any additional treatment or referral is needed.
- 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?
The point of healthcare is to care. If you ever feel you are in a position where you are burdening someone or you are feeling burned out for caring for someone, reach out! There are local resources available and mental health plays a huge part in your physical wellbeing. Don’t ever be afraid to speak to someone, even if they are there to clean your teeth and screen you for oral cancer. I will always be a listening ear.
Learn more about Cheryll at the links below:
Are you an RDHAP and would like to be a part of our member spotlight? To become a member? Click HERE!