RDHAPs expand access and enhance quality of dental care

Quality of care: Preventive and patient-focused

In addition to increasing access, RDHAPs provide high-quality preventive care that’s essential for long-term oral and systemic health. Dental hygienists are trained to recognize early signs of oral disease, perform thorough cleanings, and educate patients about maintaining oral hygiene. These services are not only critical to preventing cavities and gum disease but also reduce the risk of systemic conditions linked to poor oral health, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.³

Moreover, RDHAPs emphasize patient education and individualized care, which enhances patient outcomes and satisfaction. Their ability to spend more time with patients, build rapport, and understand social determinants of health allows for a more holistic approach. As preventive providers, RDHAPs reduce the need for costly emergency dental visits, saving significant expense for both patients and health-care systems.

A timely solution for a growing need

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for flexible, community-based health-care models. As dental clinics shut down and patients delayed care, RDHAPs became even more vital in sustaining basic oral health services. Their mobility and independence allowed safer and socially distanced care delivery. With a rapidly aging population and rising health-care costs, their role is set to become even more critical in the coming years.

RDHAPs offer a practical and powerful solution to two of dentistry’s most persistent challenges: access and quality. As more states explore expanding the scope of practice for dental hygienists, the RDHAP model serves as a proven blueprint for integrating preventive, accessible, and equitable dental care into the broader health-care landscape.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in the July 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.

References

1. Health workforce shortage areas. Data HRSA. May 26, 2025. https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas.
2. Mertz EA, Glassman P. Alternative practice dental hygiene in California: past, present, and future. J Pub Health Dent. 2011;39(1):37–46.
3. Oral health in America: advances and challenges. National Institutes of Health.