In California, Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) are specially trained professionals who can own and operate their practices—no dentist needed. This means they can bring expert, full-scope dental hygiene care directly to underserved communities, like those in Lake County.
RDHAPs complete advanced training and pass rigorous state exams, giving them the skills to provide thorough care outside the usual dental office setting. So if you’re looking for convenient, personalized hygiene care, an RDHAP might be your new best friend.
If an RDHAP spots something that needs a dentist’s expertise, they’ll refer you promptly, no waiting, no guessing games. Think of them as your oral health gatekeepers, making sure you get exactly the care you need, right when you need it. Plus, most major insurance plans usually have you covered, so you can smile without worrying about the bill.
With RDHAPs, taking care of your smile is simple, smart, and surprisingly stress-free because healthy teeth shouldn’t be complicated.
About me, Adriana.
Having spent over half my life in Lake County, I discovered my passion for serving the community through dentistry, and haven’t looked back since. Over the past 25 years, I’ve built meaningful relationships with patients and dental professionals across Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties. You could say I’ve been around the block with floss in hand.
My journey began in 1996 as a sterilization technician, where a growing curiosity (and probably too many questions) led me to earn my Registered Dental Assistant license in 2001, followed by an Expanded Functions certification in 2008. Throughout this time, while raising a son and pursuing my education, I graduated with Highest Honors from Santa Rosa Junior College, one of California’s top dental hygiene programs.
In 2017, I completed advanced training in Oral Health for medically complex patients from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry—because smiles come in all shapes, needs, and challenges.
With a deep love for my community, I launched my practice to provide compassionate, personalized care for individuals who may struggle with traditional dental visits. From dental anxiety to special needs, my goal is to make oral healthcare more accessible, more comfortable, and just a little less intimidating.
Outside the office, I’m a proud wife to a Kelseyville local, a mom, and a grandma now! I love documentaries of all kinds and, on occasion, am a bookworm who regularly loses couch space to my 97-pound and 100-pound Rottweilers (who are still convinced they are lap dogs).