It’s that time of month again! 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 Crystal Murillo, RDHAP.

• 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 located in the San Fernando Valley, but I do travel to other counties depending on where the patient lives. I graduated from West LA in 2011. I was an assistant, then became an RDA, then an RDH, and finally an RDHAP in 2022

• What made you decide to become an RDHAP? I work 5 days in private practice and it has taken a toll on my body. I want to eventually be able to cut back there and have those others days be filled with working on my private patients. Eventually, I want to work fewer long days to spend more time with my daughter.

• What type of RDHAP practice do you have? Do you practice where the patients live, work, or attend school? Do you have a free-standing office? How does your practice model help increase a person’s ability to achieve good oral health? My practice goes to where patients live. I practice by not just going over oral hygiene care but also focusing on diet, medical issues, and living concerns. I make sure I address everything not only with the patient but also with their caregiver and their family members. I believe we are a team and we all need to work together to achieve the patient’s best oral care.

• What do you do if you find your dental hygiene patient needs to see a dentist for care? I work with a traveling dentist. I will give them the information and if it does not work for them, I will help them find someone else.

• How do your patients pay for your services? I have a standard fee that includes all the treatment in that appointment.

• Once you complete their dental hygiene care, then what? I’ll schedule them for their next re-care appointment.

We thank Crystal Murillo for sharing her experience and practice with us!

Are you an RDHAP and would like to be a part of our member spotlight? To become a member, click below!