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 Lori Faulconer, M.Ed., BSDH, RDHAP. Read below for Elly’s interview with Lori!
Elly: Of the many joys teaching has brought me, meeting other dental hygienists who continue to spread their wings and pursue higher education is one of my favorite parts. As an RDHAP and RDHAP Program Director, it is even more inspiring to me and maybe to others to hear you share your path as a former student to where you are today professionally.
Lori: Thank you so much for your kind words! I completely agree—one of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been connecting with fellow dental hygienists who are pushing boundaries, advancing their education, and expanding their roles in ways that uplift our entire profession. As an RDHAP, I’ve found that each step forward, whether in education, practice, or advocacy, opens new doors not only for ourselves but also for those we serve. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that continues to support and inspire one another—just like you’ve done for me with your message.
Elly: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where did you attend dental hygiene school? Of course, I know the answer to this question, but share where you took your RDHAP training?
Lori: Absolutely! I’m a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) based in Bakersfield, California, with a passion for improving access to care, especially among underserved school-based populations and geriatric populations. I began my journey in dentistry out of a deep desire to help people live healthier lives, starting with their oral health.
I attended the Taft Dental Hygiene Program in Taft, CA, where I received both rigorous clinical training and a solid foundation in patient-centered care. My experience there helped shape my commitment to prevention, education, and outreach. I graduated in 2005. It was post-COVID pandemic that I decided to pursue my BSDH at Foothill College (Graduated 6/2023) and complete my RDHAP Certificate at Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry at UOP in November 2023.
My decision to become an RDHAP stemmed from a strong desire to bridge gaps in oral healthcare while also expanding my role in health education. Over the years, I’ve seen too many individuals—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those in low-income or rural areas—go without basic dental care simply because they couldn’t access traditional dental offices.
As a clinician, I wanted to provide direct care in settings where patients felt safe and supported, whether that be in assisted living facilities, schools, or patients’ homes. But equally important was my passion for education—educating patients, caregivers, and communities about the importance of preventive oral health, and helping them develop lifelong habits that could reduce the risk of dental disease.
The RDHAP license gives the flexibility to operate independently in community-based settings, blending clinical care with outreach and education. It will also open doors to collaborate with schools, healthcare teams, and community organizations to advocate for oral health as a critical component of overall wellness. Being an RDHAP will allow me to fulfill both roles—healthcare provider and educator—and make a lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Elly: You and I shared a conversation and connection with Dr. Vinodh Bhoopathi a professor at UCLA who is interested in increasing rural access to oral health care. That was where I heard you were pursuing your master’s degree. Can you tell us a little more about your decision regarding where and why?
Lori: Yes, I remember that conversation well—it was so inspiring to connect with others who share a deep commitment to expanding access to care, especially in rural communities. That discussion reinforced my decision and the reasons why I decided to pursue a master’s degree.
I chose the American College of Education because of its strong focus on instructional public health, community engagement, and leadership development. I was drawn to a program that not only aligned with my clinical background as an RDHAP but also equipped me with the tools to make a broader impact through policy, education, and program development.
My goal in pursuing a graduate degree was to elevate my ability to advocate for vulnerable populations, design sustainable community-based care models, and collaborate across disciplines—including with professionals like Dr. Bhoopathi—to bring innovative solutions to areas that are often overlooked. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey so far.
I graduated from the American College of Education with my Master’s in Education on July 27, 2025.
Elly: Congratulations on your master’s degree! It is no easy task. What was the focus of your final project?
Lori: Thanks for asking. My final project was titled “The Positive Impact of RDHAPs and School Nurses on School Campuses. I shared it with you, and if interested, maybe you can use it as a conversation starter in RDHAP Connect. Thank you for creating a resource for RDHAPs to connect and help each other navigate their journeys with their licensure.
Elly: I read it and am excited to help you share it. We will continue that conversation. In the meantime, how do you find time to do all you do?
Lori: In my 20-plus years of working in the dental profession, I have seen a growing need in communities that lacked access to regular dental care, which inspired me to pursue my RDHAP license. Today, I work in private practice part-time, as an adjunct clinical instructor at Taft Dental Hygiene Program part-time, and provide dental care for those within my community, utilizing my RDHAP—including schools, long-term care facilities, and community health programs—bringing preventive dental services directly to those who need them most.
It’s definitely a balancing act, but I’m enjoying the journey. Each role complements the other, and I’ve found that staying active in both clinical and academic settings is helping me shape a more sustainable and impactful RDHAP model. I’m taking things step by step, focusing on outreach and establishing relationships within the community to support long-term growth.
Elly: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Lori: In five years, I see myself continuing to grow as both a clinician and educator, expanding the reach and impact of my RDHAP practice. My goal is to build a sustainable, community-based model of care that partners with local organizations—such as schools, senior centers, and public health agencies—to deliver preventive services and oral health education where it’s needed most.
I also envision myself mentoring and supporting other dental hygienists who are interested in pursuing the RDHAP path. Whether through speaking engagements, teaching, or professional development workshops, I want to help grow the next generation of dental hygienists who are passionate about equity and access in oral health.
Elly: I have really enjoyed our conversation. RDHAP Connect and I are here to help. Your vision is inspiring. 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?
Lori: Yes—what I’d like to share is this: oral health is not a luxury; it’s a critical part of overall health and dignity, especially for individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Often, dental care is overlooked in the larger picture of healthcare, yet poor oral health can lead to pain, difficulty eating, infections, and even life-threatening systemic complications.
For caregivers and health professionals, I encourage you to see daily oral hygiene and preventive dental care as essential components of care, just like medication management or nutrition. Small, consistent efforts make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like RDHAPs, who are uniquely trained to deliver care in non-traditional settings and to collaborate with care teams to develop realistic, respectful care routines for patients with complex needs.
To family members: you are not alone. There are mobile dental providers and community-based programs designed to support you and your loved ones. Early intervention, routine maintenance, and compassionate communication can prevent a host of problems down the road—and greatly improve quality of life.
Ultimately, my message is one of partnership. Together, we can ensure that every person, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, has access to the oral care they deserve.
Get in touch with Lori Faulconer, M.Ed., BSDH, RDHAP, today!
Website: https://www.lorifaulconerrdhap.com/
Email: Lfaulconer1@gmail.com
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