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 Amber Sarina, RDHAP

• Tell us a little about yourself. Where is your practice? Where did you attend dental hygiene school and take your RDHAP training? 

My name is Amber Sarina, and I am 46 years old. I’ve been in dentistry for about 29 years. At age 17 I had the opportunity to become a dental assistant through on-the-job training by Dr John Chao in Alhambra California. I had no idea where the road would take me it was just a great opportunity. Prior to starting that job, I was a volunteer in an oncology lab at St Vincents Medical Center under Dr Weismann who was working on a new cancer treatment for brain tumors. My dream was to go into medicine, but that dream changed as I grew an understanding of the cost of education and the amount of time it would take. I really wanted to have a family and career and as I learned more about dental hygiene, I knew this was the career path for me. As I worked on completing my prerequisites at Pasadena City College, I gained much experience by becoming an RDA and then managing an Oral Surgery office…I was so fortunate to get into the Dental Hygiene Program at West Los Angeles College. Ara Aguiar was my clinical instructor and a big inspiration along with Lisa Takayama and Arvi Malik. I saw these instructors as not only clinical instructors but also as strong independent women who strived to make a difference. This is key because I believe living a life of service is what drives me. I will also note, that in May of 2004…right before senior summer clinic, I gave birth to my firstborn. I was offered to take a year off and return by did not. I pressed through with a newborn and graduated with my class in 2005. My son is now 20 years old. I also have two daughters 18 and 17 years old. My husband and my children are my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my career as an RDHAP (AP). For the last 15 years of my life, I’ve been the football, baseball, dance, cheer, and FFA Mom, and when my son left for college in 2022, I had a lot more time on my hands and that fall I went back to school. I started and completed the RDHAP program at my West Los Angeles College that fall and became licensed shortly after. The program was great, it was nostalgic to be on the campus where I had been 20 years prior but also to see what the hygiene program has become with their new clinic and their BA program. Because WLAC was the first AP program and offered an in-person experience, I felt like it gave me a great foundation for what was next for me. 

• What made you decide to become an RDHAP?

I had been commuting a long distance to work for a few years and it was starting to wear on me. Although I absolutely LOVED the office of 15 years, I was in San Luis Obispo with Dr. Matt Kim & Nathan Wong, I knew this arrangement wasn’t sustainable. Around that same period in my life, I was exploring opportunities to open a dental hygiene practice in my small town with encouragement and support from a family friend. I wanted to expand access to care in some sort of capacity. Of course, that meant becoming an AP would be the start of that. I had no idea where becoming an AP would take me, but I knew I wanted to advance in my career and do more. For a woman who always has a plan, I relied on my faith and just took one step at a time. 

• 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? How does your practice model help increase a person’s ability to achieve good oral health?

By the grace of God, I have a mobile dental hygiene practice. I say that because it’s such an amazing story I have to share. I had finally become licensed, insured, and incorporated and purchased some mobile equipment and my very close friend asked to be my very first patient. I was so excited, and I was thrilled. The day after that first experience, I was heavily thinking and daydreaming, about how to get this business up and running. My phone rings, several missed calls from an unknown number. I finally answered and it was Maureen Kaye with Mobile Dental Hygiene Care. She happened to be trying to get in contact with someone else and called my number by mistake, but we got to chatting and set up a meeting. It’s amazing how it all worked out. I met with Maureen and Denise Cozza, and they told me all about what they were doing as APs providing care for the disabled. I had minimal experience in this area, but I was eager to learn all about it. What these two amazing women have put together over the past 15 years is amazing. I had no idea this population was so large and that all ranges of disabilities needed access to care.  Denise and Maureen took me under their wing and taught me so much, I will forever be grateful. I have also learned a lot about myself as well and have grown as a clinician through the start of working with them. I actually just had my one-year anniversary as an AP working with Mobile Dental Hygiene Care. As a mobile AP, I see patients in their home and/or day programs. The service I provide is free for the participant and I am able to see them every 4 months. It’s an advantage to be able to see them in their familiar setting around their peers because they are much more comfortable and open to receiving treatment. Now that I’m on my return visits I am greeted with lots of hugs and excitement. This demographic of patients is just so grateful and kindhearted. Access to care is limited for this demographic of patients for various reasons such as cost, transportation, and physical, mental, and emotional limitations. Fortunately, the Lanterman Act has provided funding for the regional centers to provide subcontracted services such as Dental Hygiene. Every 4 months the participant receives a dental hygiene visit including Scaling, SDF, FL Varnish, and oral cancer screening. Incidents of emergency dental visits for those who participate have declined over the years. This program through Mobile Dental Hygiene and the Regional Centers has been a great success and I’m so happy and super grateful to be part of it. I really feel like I am living a life of service by providing dental hygiene care to those who normally wouldn’t have regular access to it. 

• What do you do if you find your dental hygiene patient needs to see a dentist for care?

Each patient/participant I see has documented notes that are shared with the Director of the facilities and/or homes as well as with Mobile Dental Hygiene Care and the Regional Center. If immediate care is needed, notes are made for the referral so the patient can be seen by the Dentist ASAP. 

• How do your patients pay for your services?

My patients don’t pay for services. I am a subcontractor of Mobile Dental Hygiene Care, and they are providers for the Central Valley and Tri-County Regional Centers. 

• Once you complete their dental hygiene care, then what? 

There’s so much that goes into a visit. Once care is completed, notes are written up and the next visit to the home/facility is scheduled for 4 months. Each visit I strive to establish trust and a positive relationship with the participant. This sets them up for success with future dental care visits. Most participants are excited to receive stickers and a new toothbrush upon completion of their dental hygiene care and sometimes hugs or high-fives.

• 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?

Providing care for people who are challenged to care for themselves is an absolute privilege. I am so fortunate to have the capacity to provide dental hygiene care for these individuals. Dental Hygiene in this setting is very physical and it also pulls at your heartstrings. To be able to travel to clinics and homes I have to transport a full portable set up and all the supplies to go along with it. I have finally after much practice figured out how to pack it all up in my car like a puzzle. I have definitely learned that self-care is crucial to providing this type of dental hygiene care. I make more of an effort now to be consistent with Yoga and cardio exercises. Many times, I am working in a strained position over a chair, bed, or wheelchair. This gives my lower body a really good workout. Providing the highest standard of dental hygiene care that I can is a top priority, and so is forming a connection with these individuals. It is very important because it sets a foundation for trust and comfort with other healthcare providers in the future. Being able to do what I do is a reflection of the love and support I receive from my family & Mobile Dental Hygiene Care. I’d also like to say that I still work in private practice and really enjoy that dynamic of Dental Hygiene in the General Practice setting. Fortunately, I work in a practice that supports my work as an AP and I am able to do both. It’s a good balance and I’m just really grateful. 

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