One of the perks of being an RDHAP Connect member is being featured in a member spotlight on our website and social media pages. Today, we’re spotlighting Jessika Rico, RDHAP. Read below to learn more about Jessika.
My name is Jessika Rico, and I am a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice based in Stockton, California.
I began my career in 2009 as a dental assistant, became a Registered Dental Assistant in 2012, and earned my dental hygiene license in 2016. My background in both assisting and dental hygiene has given me a well-rounded understanding of patient care, clinical workflow, and the importance of prevention in oral health.
I attended Carrington College for my dental hygiene education and completed my RDHAP training through the University of the Pacific. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to advancing access to preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services in a way that is compassionate, evidence-informed, and patient-centered.
What motivated you to become an RDHAP?
Becoming an RDHAP was a long-standing professional goal for me. I have always valued the role dental hygienists play in prevention, education, and early intervention, and I wanted to expand my ability to provide care to patients who may face barriers in accessing traditional dental settings.
During a significant and reflective period in my life, I was able to fully commit to completing my RDHAP training. That experience reinforced the importance of accessible, compassionate healthcare and strengthened my desire to create a practice model focused on prevention, trust, and continuity of care.
My goal as an RDHAP is to provide high-quality dental hygiene services while helping patients feel informed, respected, and supported in their oral health decisions.
What type of RDHAP practice do you have?
I operate a free-standing dental hygiene practice in downtown Stockton, where I provide preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care in a comfortable, professional, and patient-focused environment.
My services include comprehensive periodontal assessments, dental radiographs/X-rays, oral cancer screenings, routine prophylaxis, periodontal therapy/deep cleanings, laser-assisted periodontal therapy, personalized oral hygiene instruction, nutrition counseling, smoking cessation education, and individualized home care recommendations.
I focus on creating a clinical experience that is thorough, approachable, and supportive, especially for patients who experience dental anxiety or have delayed care due to cost, fear, or lack of access. Each patient’s care is personalized based on their oral health status, periodontal condition, risk factors, lifestyle, and individual needs.
In addition to my office setting, I maintain portable equipment that allows me to expand services into community-based environments for patients who may have limited mobility or difficulty accessing a traditional dental office.
How do you help your patients find a dentist if they need dental care?
When a patient’s needs are beyond my scope of practice, I refer them to dentists whom I personally know and trust. These providers include dentists local to the Stockton area as well as dentists in surrounding communities, allowing me to help connect each patient with a provider who best fits their clinical needs, location, and comfort level.
I believe continuity of care is essential. I take time to explain findings, review recommended next steps, and help patients understand why a referral may be necessary. My goal is for patients to feel guided and supported rather than overwhelmed.
How do your patients pay for your services?
My practice offers affordable fee-for-service options, and I accept PPO dental insurance plans as an out-of-network provider.
A central part of my practice model is increasing access to preventive dental hygiene care, particularly for patients who do not have dental insurance. I believe transparent fees, flexible options, and patient education can help reduce barriers and encourage patients to seek care before oral health conditions progress.
What is the next step after you have provided your special dental hygiene care?
After treatment, I focus on prevention, maintenance, and long-term oral health outcomes. Each patient receives individualized home care recommendations based on their oral health status, periodontal condition, risk factors, lifestyle, and personal needs.
When additional dental treatment is indicated, I assist with appropriate referrals and encourage follow-through. For patients who remain in my care, I recommend maintenance intervals based on their periodontal and preventive needs, with the goal of helping them stabilize, improve, and maintain their oral health over time.
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?
Oral health is closely connected to overall health, quality of life, confidence, nutrition, and dignity. Dental hygiene care is not only about cleaning teeth; it is about prevention, education, risk assessment, disease management, and helping patients maintain their health and independence.
I am committed to serving my community by providing accessible, high-quality dental hygiene care in an environment where patients feel respected, informed, and supported. As an RDHAP, I value the opportunity to meet patients where they are, reduce barriers to care, and be part of a collaborative healthcare model that prioritizes prevention and patient well-being.
I am proud to contribute to a profession that plays such an important role in improving both oral health and overall health through education, access, and compassionate care.
To work with Jessika, see below.
Instagram: @jessikaRDHAP
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