Lauren K. Chin, RDHAP
Dental Hygiene House Calls
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about
Lauren (she/her) is a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDHAP), which allows her to address access to care issues by bringing the dental hygiene appointment to patients who find coming into the office challenging. Credentialed at multiple medical campuses, she offers patients hospital or surgical private practice settings as needed. She is also the administrator for the Beyond Faces Foundation, a national nonprofit for children requiring facial reconstruction, and participates in research.
Lauren earned degrees in journalism, industrial arts, dental hygiene, and healthcare administration and interprofessional leadership. She worked for the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Foundation, with the Interdisciplinary Dental Education Academy, and as an instructor of first-year dental students at University of the Pacific.
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Frequently asked questions
SPECIALIZED HYGIENISTS: WHAT IS AN RDHAP?
A registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDHAP) offers an alternative to private practice, and in doing so addresses access to care barriers by serving vulnerable patient populations. With on-site dental hygiene, people who might go untreated can receive care. Examples of when house calls are beneficial:
Skilled nursing facilities & the like
Challenged mobility, cognitive impairment, limited manual dexterity, dry mouth, and complex medical histories are common in this population. Healthcare professionals understand that the health of the mouth impacts the health of the body, and that oral health is integral to sustained systemic health as well as quality of life.
Pregnancy & the family unit
Oral healthcare is an important part of prenatal care. Additionally, the health of each member in the family unit can be addressed so more time can be dedicated to recovery, bonding, etc.
radiation therapy
To avoid complications like osteonecrosis of the jaw, meticulous oral hygiene is required of those who have undergone radiation therapy to the head and neck.
Developmental Disability
If an environment has been established at home that best suits the individual then it makes sense to bring care to them.
MObility & Memory
If getting to a dental office is too risky (e.g. injury from falling, getting hopelessly lost, etc.) then house calls are an alternative.
schools
Eye exams are conducted at schools, why not dental hygiene, too? Kids stay on campus, parents stay out of traffic, and disruption to education is minimized.
osteoporosis
Serious life-altering complications can arise in those with a history of bisphosphonate use who require oral surgery. The best treatment is prevention in the form of good oral hygiene.
Veterans
Returning to civilian life can be daunting, which is why bringing services to the individual in a familiar safe space can be helpful.
Preoperative & postoperative care
Decreasing oral bacteria prior to surgery facilitates recovery, and maintenance while in recovery is helpful if the ability to engage in the activities of daily living are compromised.
Caregivers
House calls are suitable for those who find it challenging to come into a dental office. Caregivers are often the primary caretaker and unable to leave those in their charge unattended, which makes caring for themselves difficult.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED A DENTIST?
There are various reasons why a person might require a dentist. For non-emergencies, patients can either go to a dentist or have a dentist brought to them. That dentist can either be someone Lauren chooses or someone the patient chooses. If the patient has a dentist they would like to be seen by then please convey that to Lauren as she is happy to work with the existing dental team.
What is the liability of the referring provider?
No more than when referring to any other specialist. Lauren carries her own professional liability insurance. Referral slips here.
What doctor does lauren work for?
Dental hygienists (i.e., license RDH) who work in dental offices are employees who work for dentists. Dental hygienists who do house calls (i.e., license AP) are sole proprietors who work with dentists depending on the needs of the patient. Lauren uses both licenses.
Does Lauren accept insurance?
Lauren is an out-of-network provider. As a courtesy, a claim is submitted on the patient’s behalf to the insurance company, and the insurance reimbursement goes directly to the insured, which is why payment is due when services are rendered. Lauren does not submit claims to DentiCal or Medicare.
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Services
Consultation
The consultation allows practitioner, patient, and support team to become acquainted and ascertain the best course of action. (Please make documentation of Power of Attorney available, as applicable).
FLUORIDE VARNISH
Topical fluoride can be applied to teeth to strengthen tooth structure, as well as reduce tooth sensitivity and risk of cavities.
SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE
This liquid topical medicament can be applied conservatively to cavities to arrest decay and make teeth less sensitive.
DENTAL HYGIENE PROPHYLAXIS
Commonly referred to as a “cleaning,” a patient’s oral health status informs what dental hygiene treatment is selected.
ORAL CANCER EXAM
An oral cancer exam involves observation and palpation.
RADIOGRAPHS
Digital x-ray images are taken conservatively.
ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Patients and caregivers alike receive tailored professional oral health education.
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TOOLS
Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes have a timer, pressure sensor, and are good for people with limited dexterity. Manual toothbrushes are comparable when used correctly. At minimum, use new soft bristles each season (i.e., spring, summer, fall, winter) and after illness.
between teeth
Floss, floss picks, soft picks, proxabrushes, stimudents, and waterpiks clean where a toothbrush cannot. Cordless waterpiks used in the shower spare the bathroom counter.
Clinpro Toothpaste
Prescription-grade high-fluoride tri-calcium phosphate toothpaste for those with or without dry mouth. To be used without rinsing, eating, or drinking 30 minutes after use for best results.
CHLORHEXIDINE
Prescription antibacterial mouth rinse. To be used one minute per day for one week per month without rinsing, eating, or drinking 30 minutes after use for best results.
Baking soda
Baking soda rinses are good for pH neutralization after meals and soothing oral tissues in general but are also good to use before brushing in the event of vomiting (e.g., flu, pregnancy, chemotherapy, etc.). Dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup water.
MED-Project
What should you do with your unwanted and expired medication? Find a disposal location.
Toothpaste
There are different over-the-counter toothpastes that accommodate those with an allergy or aversion to certain ingredients. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate-free toothpastes are suitable for those whose sensitivity presents as canker sores. Or arginine, which neutralizes plaque biofilm, and can be a fluoride alternative. Try Bite tablets for sustainability.
Carifree CT3 Rinse
A mouth rinse containing xylitol to fight cavities, fluoride to strengthen teeth, and pH neutralization to impede the breakdown of teeth.
Biotene
Biotene makes several products, one of which is a fluoride-free rinse for those experiencing dry mouth.
XYLITOL
Xylitol (6-10 grams) helps fight cavities. Chewing gum can be found in stores and treats online.
Carifree CT4 rinse
A two-part mouth rinse that has an antibacterial component as well as xylitol, fluoride, and pH neutralizing components.
Education
Oral health fact sheets are available in multiple languages courtesy of the California Dental Association. TedEd creates educational videos on multiple topics.
HEALTH HISTORY
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FORMS
No patient is seen without a current health history, the form for which is provided here. Note: current medications, vitamins, and supplements lists can often be printed out by nursing home staff so you don’t have to write it out on the health history form. Please forward the patient’s most current dental x-rays to Lauren.
PATIENT INFO
The patient information form is necessary to reach patients and their support team, as well as to submit insurance claims as a courtesy facilitating patient reimbursement by their carrier. So, please fill the form out completely, and if your voice mailbox is full then provide a more reliable form of contact. Please provide documentation of power of attorney, if applicable.
STANDING ORDER
Patients must provide an annual standing order from a dentist or primary care physician to continue dental hygiene services. At minimum, the following text shall be written on a doctor’s letterhead: This is a standing order permitting [patient name] to have dental hygiene services provided on-site by Lauren K. Chin, RDHAP with antibiotic premedication coverage and application of topical fluoride varnish as needed. Note to healthcare professionals: please indicate in your standing order whether you want to conduct dental exams yourself, or provide restorative care yourself.
REFERRAL SLIP
Are you a healthcare provider who wants to refer a patient to Lauren? Use these referral slips. Note: if you want the patient to have antibiotic premedication, then please provide the patient with the prescription. Note to healthcare professionals: please indicate in your referral if you will conduct dental exams yourself, or provide restorative care yourself.
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CONTACT
Lauren travels to patients who find coming into the office for treatment challenging. For those who prefer to be seen in a traditional office setting, Lauren treats patients in private practice at 2100 Webster Street Suite 303, San Francisco, CA 94115.