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 Balea Avila, RDHAP. Read below to learn more, Balea!

Hello, my name is Balea Avila, and I’d like to share my journey of becoming a
Registered Dental Hygienist Alternative Practice (RDHAP). 
 
My RDHAP dental hygiene practice is located in Hanford, California. I earned my
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (ASDH) from Fresno City College in 2005, and I
am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). To further my
education, I attended the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
to train for my RDHAP licensure. 
 
Allow me to continue my journey toward becoming an RDHAP, which has an interesting
backstory. About four years into my career as a registered dental hygienist (RDH), I
considered pursuing my RDHAP licensure. At that time, a colleague and I planned to
attend the training together and eventually open our own practice since the dentist we
worked for was retiring. However, I did not follow through at that point. I continued my
work as an RDH in a rural clinic full-time, where I felt fulfilled helping
communities understand the importance of oral health. Helping patients regain their
confidence and comfort in smiling and eliminating their fear of visiting the dentist was
deeply rewarding. I believe that we all learn from one another. 
 
Then COVID-19 changed everything. The rural clinic where I worked decided that the
hygienist positions were no longer needed, resulting in the loss of my job as well as
those of my fellow hygienists and many other employees. I found this news upsetting,
not just for myself but also because I felt it would greatly affect the patients. 
 
I then returned to private practice. While I enjoy working in various settings, the rural
clinic held a special place in my heart. For a couple of years, I felt lost, contemplating
how I could make a difference and reach more patients in need of oral health care.
During this time, I connected with many dentists who were interested in collaborating,
exploring new ideas, and willing to adopt new technology and courses to better serve
patients. 
 
One day, I received a call from a dentist I had previously worked with when I first started
my career as an RDH. He motivated me to pursue my RDHAP training, and now, here I
am—a licensed RDHAP. Sometimes, you need to embark on a journey to realize the
larger picture of what you can offer, not only to patients but also to fellow healthcare
professionals, to better serve the community. 
 
A bit about my practice: Balea Avila, RDHAP Dental Hygiene Practice, is situated in a
quiet courtyard called The Alcazar Building in Hanford, CA. It is a free-standing practice
(brick and mortar), and I plan to implement portable care options soon. I offer patients
various payment methods, including cash pay prices, insurance, and Medi-Cal. Having
a free-standing practice provides a calm and welcoming environment where patients
can feel relaxed and comfortable. 
 
I focus on providing personalized patient care, addressing each patient’s needs and
concerns throughout their appointments. This approach can significantly reduce any

anxiety patients may feel, as they know their concerns are acknowledged. Collaborating
with other dentists and health professionals allows me to educate patients about their
oral and systemic health and guide them to services I may not offer in my office. 
 
My goal is to help patients understand that receiving oral healthcare doesn’t have to be
uncomfortable or frightening. Their oral health is interconnected with their overall health,
making it crucial to take care of both to ensure proper functioning of the body. 
 
Remember, it’s never too late to explore new opportunities and start a fresh journey. I
am continually seeking ways to provide my patients with more options and resources to
enhance their understanding of oral healthcare. I actively collaborate with others
dental and healthcare professionals, and stay informed about new techniques, ideas,
and technologies to better serve the Central Valley. 
 
You can find me on social media, such as Facebook HERE
Hygiene Practice, and on Instagram HERE. Also, feel free to visit my
website at HERE!

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