Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryll Kidd.
Hi Cheryll, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2014, my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. That same year, I was accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program at Southwestern College. During my time in the program, we had a day where various professionals came in to talk about the different career paths you can take in dental hygiene. The one that stood out to me was Registered Dental Hygienist of Alternative Practice (RDHAP). This is an additional license that you can receive after 2,000 clinical hours, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (120 semester units) and completing an accredited program. With this license, you can have your own dental hygiene practice to help serve the underserved population. My grandmother passed in 2020 and in spring of 2023, I registered for the RDHAP Program at University of the Pacific: Aurther A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. After completing the program, I started the Dental Hygiene Practice of Cheryll Kidd, RDHAP in December 2023. My mission is to help those like my grandmother and so many more have access to professional dental hygiene care.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During those two years at SWC Dental Hygiene Program, I juggled three part time jobs while helping take care of my grandmother and my little brother. After that, I worked 5-6 days a week as a RDH with a part-time job coaching tumbling all the way through completing the RDHAP program at UOP. Since then, I’ve continued to work full-time, working my mobile practice on Fridays and taking single day temp jobs some weekends. Without having any prior knowledge in starting or running a business, I have had to learn a great deal outside of what I do for patients. There have been some “not so easy” days but overall, I believe it’s worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Dental Hygiene Practice of Cheryll Kidd, RDHAP, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a solo practitioner with a portable dental hygiene practice. I say portable rather than mobile practice because instead of a mobile van, I have portable equipment that I take into the home or room in the facility of my patients who are disabled and/or elderly. This includes, but is not limited to, patients who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, cancers, etc. My services are for people of any age who have difficulty coming into a traditional dental office. The dental hygiene services I provide include oral prophylaxis (cleanings), denture cleanings, periodontal disease treatments, preventative treatments, cavity arresting agents, oral hygiene education, nutritional counseling and referrals to dental professionals. Although I am completely fee-for-service, I keep my fees reasonable since most of my patients are on fixed income. Through my business, I support local and national organizations that promote awareness and research for treatments and cures that would benefit my patients. I am proud to help those who were in my grandmother’s position and hopefully can make an impact in the advancement of treatment or cures for debilitating diseases and disorders.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID taught me that there is a limited access to care for individuals who are homebound or living in a skilled nursing facility. I also realized there are a fair amount of people who aren’t properly educated in how to take care of their own health. With my business, I hope to educate patients, caregivers, family members and anyone a part of my patient’s health care teams on proper oral health management.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kiddrdhap.org
- Instagram: @yourneighborhoodhygienist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560337019960
Image Credits
CJ Johnson (Graphic Artist, brand/logo), Michael Calvillo (photographer, headshots), Rachel Gallenberger (Hair & MUA, headshots)
