Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP)
Your Path to Professional Independence!
RDHAP Program Overview
West Los Angeles College's 150-hour RDHAP program is the first and most widely-recognized program of its kind in California.
Approved by the Dental Board of California and the Committee of Dental Auxiliaries at its inception in 2002, and now by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. This program prepares registered dental hygienists to become licensed to operate a private practice providing dental hygiene services in homes, schools, residential facilities, and underserved areas.
The California State RDHAP written licensing exam is offered to participants upon completion of the program, and meeting all other criteria set forth by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Since the RDHAP program's inception at West Los Angeles College, 100% of our program participants have passed the written licensing exam.
To learn more about the RDHAP program for dental hygienist professionals, consider attending our RDHAP Symposiums.
Now Accepting Applications for the Spring 2024 Program!
Classes Start on January 12, 2024
For more information, please email: Vicky Sanders at SanderV@wlac.edu.
RDHAP Licensing Requirements*
To be eligible for licensing, students need:
- A passing grade on the California RDHAP written licensing exam
- A Bachelor Degree OR an Associate of Science Degree requiring a minimum 120 semester college units from an accredited institution
- Verification of a minimum of 2000 hours of employment in clinical practice within the preceding 36 months to the licensing application.
- Have an active California Registered Dental Hygiene License
- Have a current CPR/BLS card for the Healthcare Provider (offered as Allied Health 021 by WLAC).
Program participants must furnish items 2, 3, and 4 prior to admission to the program.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
There is still time to submit your application for the Spring 2024.
RDHAP Program Fee
The cost of the RDHAP program is $4,500, which includes all materials and supplies required to complete the course.
Payment may be made by cashier's check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard. A $500 deposit is due with application to the RDHAP Program. The remaining tuition is paid in three installments of $1,400, $1,300, and $1,3000 each (see payment schedule for specific dates).
RDHAP Schedules
The RDHAP Program includes:
- 4 weekends (Friday & Saturday) of seminar-style (in-person) continuing education on WLAC campus (with Zoom broadcasting option)
- 100 hours of distance learning education
- 50 hours of Classroom instruction
RDHAP Program 2024 Classroom Meetings*:
*Dates subject to change.
All lecture courses will be held at West Los Angeles College. Meetings will be held in a hybrid model, via zoom live broadcasting for those who cannot attend.
Location: WLAC Campus, Room To Be Announced
| Month | Days |
|---|---|
| JANUARY | 12th & 13th, 2024 |
| FEBRUARY | 9th & 10th, 2024 |
| MARCH | 22nd & 23rd 2024 |
| APRIL | 12th & 13th, 2024 |
RDHAP Topics
The RDHAP program various covers topics, including the following:
- Business Plan Development
- Legal Issues facing the RDHAP
- How to Develop Contracts with Institutions
- How to Operate and Administer Your Business including Insurance Billing and Processing
- Working with Medically Compromised Individuals
- Portable Dental Equipment
- Infection Control in Alternative Environments
- Marketing for RDHAPs
If you would like more info or are ready to sign up, email:
Vicky Sanders
SanderV@wlac.edu