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 Elaine Hubbard, RDHAP. Read below to learn more about her and her amazing practice!
- Tell us a little about yourself. Where is you practice? Where did you attend dental hygiene school and take your RDHAP training?
Hi, my name is Elaine Hubbard, I have worked in dentistry for 28 years. I started out as an oral surgery assistant. I then went on to earn my Dental Hygiene degree in 2006 from Southwestern College in San Diego County. I then went back in 2019 and earned my BS in Dental Hygiene through Foothill college. After working in the field for several years I wanted to branch out and explore other options. I was aware of the RDHAP program but never gave it much thought until I was in my BS program. I decided there was no better time than now to continue on and get my RDHAP from the University of the Pacific.
- What made you decide to become an RDHAP?
I was excited at the possibility of helping patients who are not able to receive care in a traditional office setting. This has been by far the most rewarding part. It makes my heart happy to be able to care for people in their homes. I was also excited about being my own boss, making my own schedule and caring for my patient’s individual needs.
- What type of RDHAP practice do you have? Do you practice where the patients live, work, 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?
For the last year and a half, I have been mobile. I go into retirement homes and private residences. I do travel within North Sand Diego County. I also work 32 hours a week in a private practice.
Last year I began to research the area where I live to see if it is underserved and it is. I decided to open a Brick and Mortar in my hometown, Fallbrook, CA. My official opening day is October 1st, 2023! I am extremely excited and hope it is received well in my small town. Look out for an invitation for an open house!
My practice model is to help plan and care for each person’s oral health needs based on their individual needs within the scope of practice. My goal is to provide compassionate care, to listen, and to customize their appointments so they may achieve their goals.
- What do you do if you find your dental hygiene patient needs to see a dentist for care?
From my mobile experience, I have not been able to find a mobile dentist to come to my clients in North County and South Riverside. I have reached out to several mobile dentists with no luck. For both mobile and my brick-and-mortar, I call around to find a dentist who is willing to work with my clients even if it means setting aside longer appointments, etc., so they may achieve the care they need in minimal visits. If they have a dentist, I call and introduce myself and help coordinate care.
- How do your patients pay for your services?
Right now my compensation has been a fee for service. I have billed a few insurance companies for reimbursement and it was successful. I am currently waiting on my denti-cal approval.
- Once you complete their dental hygiene care, then what?
If my mobile client has a family member appointed to their care, I discuss with them and the client the next steps for their care. I set a recall appointment to continue caring for their oral hygiene needs.
- 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?
This is an underused service that is much needed. Sharing and helping spread the word that there is mobile care out there for loved ones is a huge help. All my mobile clients have come from referrals, more than advertisements. I am trying really hard to work with facilities but have a hard time breaking the barrier of the perceived value of good oral health. This has been my biggest hurdle within the retirement communities. I hope with the Brick and Mortar I can reach more of the public that is underserved. I also hope to be able to provide charity work to the public.
Check out Elaine and her practice online!
Web Site-coming Oct 1st ->> SmilewithElaine.com
Instagram smile.with.elaine.rdhap
FB: ElaineRDHAP