A Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) holds a special license to provide dental hygiene services to those unable to visit traditional dental offices. California law allows RDHAPs to provide care in underserved communities, school campuses, hospitals, geriatric population, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and private homes. They are specially trained to treat medically compromised, geriatric, and special needs patients.

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To receive this license, an individual must be a Registered Dental Hygienist with a Bachelor's Degree, verified practice experience, complete additional accredited post-graduate training education, and pass a state ethics exam.

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