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 Elisa Rios, BSDH, RDHAP. Read below to learn more, Balea!
My name is Elisa Rios, BSDH, RDHAP, and I am the owner of Polished Hygiene. I provide preventive dental hygiene services through both a brick-and-mortar office in Ontario, California, and a portable practice that allows me to bring care directly to patients who have difficulty accessing traditional dental settings.
I attended Concorde Career College in San Bernardino for dental hygiene school and later earned my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Los Angeles College. I also completed my RDHAP training through West Los Angeles College.
What motivated you to become an RDHAP?
My passion has always been helping patients who face barriers to receiving dental care. Throughout my career, I saw firsthand how many individuals, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, medically compromised patients, and underserved populations, often go without preventive dental care. Becoming an RDHAP allowed me to bring services directly to patients and create a practice model focused on accessibility, prevention, and compassion.
I am especially passionate about serving Medi-Cal beneficiaries and individuals who may otherwise struggle to access quality oral healthcare. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve optimal oral health, regardless of their circumstances.
What type of RDHAP practice do you have?
I operate both a brick-and-mortar practice and a portable dental hygiene practice. Every day is different. Some days I see patients in my Ontario office, while other days I travel to homes, assisted living facilities, and community settings to provide care.
My practice is built on integrity, transparency, and an ethical standard of care. I am committed to recommending only what is truly in my patients’ best interest and delivering evidence-based treatment that supports their overall health and well-being.
How do you help your patients find a dentist if they need dental care?
Collaboration is essential to comprehensive care. I work closely with an amazing dentist whom I confidently refer patients to for examinations, diagnoses, and any restorative or specialty treatment they may need. I help coordinate referrals and ensure patients understand their next steps.
How do your patients pay for your services?
I am a provider for Delta Dental and Medi-Cal, and I assist patients with understanding and maximizing their insurance benefits. I also help patients submit claims when needed. For convenience, I accept credit cards, cash, Zelle, Venmo, and Cherry financing.
What is the next step after you have provided your special dental hygiene care?
My goal is to empower patients to maintain their oral health between visits. Every patient receives personalized education, home care recommendations, and a take-home oral hygiene kit. We schedule follow-up appointments as needed and ensure patients are connected with a dentist for examinations and any recommended treatment. Continuity of care is a critical part of my practice philosophy.
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?
Everyone deserves access to quality oral healthcare, regardless of their physical limitations, medical conditions, insurance status, or life circumstances. Oral health is directly connected to overall health, comfort, nutrition, confidence, and quality of life.
As RDHAPs, we have a unique opportunity to meet patients where they are and help bridge gaps in care. My mission is to increase access to preventive dental services while maintaining the highest level of integrity and ethical patient care. I encourage families and healthcare professionals to view oral health as an essential part of overall wellness and to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
By working together, we can help create healthier communities and ensure that no patient is left behind when it comes to receiving quality dental care.
In addition to caring for patients, I am passionate about guiding and mentoring new RDHAPs and Dental Hygienists who are considering the program, helping them navigate their professional journey and achieve their goals. I have partnered with two outstanding RDHAPs to ensure that these professionals have the extra support they need.
You can find Elisa Rios online on Instagram here:
@elisa.rdhap.mua @polishedhygiene @rdhap_collective
and her website here:
Are you an RDHAP and would like to be a part of our member spotlight? To become a member? Click HERE!