In early 1985, Judy Boothby began working in skilled nursing facilities under the supervision of a dentist. As she was referred to numerous new patients, she quickly saw the needed services of a dental hygienist in developmentally disabled, blind, deaf, cerebral palsy, severe epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and various other underserved segments of our society. It became obvious to Judy that the services a dental hygienist could provide to this population would be greatly enhanced without the restriction of supervision. Inspired by personal compassion, Judy Boothby was moved to find a better way to solve the problem of oral care for critically or terminally ill patients.
Judy and 18 other dental hygienists were given authority by the California State Legislature through the Office of Statewide Health, Planning and Development to practice independent of dentists. From 1987 through 1997, Judy Boothby participated in Health Manpower Pilot Projects #139 and #155 which were demonstration studies of dental hygiene independent practice.
The California Dental Association (CDA) filed lawsuits in argument that allowing dental hygienists to practice alone could lead to diagnosis by the independent dental hygienists. The CDA feared that this would pose a health risk to the public. This opposition by the CDA posed many difficulties for Judy Boothby and other dental hygienists involved in the pilot projects. Some nursing homes and other facilities initially refused to allow private-practice dental hygienists to enter their facilities. In addition, California's yellow pages refused to list independent hygiene practice's advertisements in fear that these ads would cause state dental associations to drop their listings. After much protest, the yellow pages decided to reverse this decision.
The California Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) lobbied to change the California Dental Practice Act to become a new credential for registered dental hygienists. Through the perseverance of Judy Boothby and many others, the state of California eventually allowed 21 dental hygienists to practice independent services to patients with the passage of bill AB 560. They succeeded, and the new credential of Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) was created and signed by Governor Pete Wilson and became effective in 1998. Judy was the very first to be given this license (License #1) in the state of California as an RDHAP. Presently, there are over 250 RDHAP Practices Statewide.
Her inspiration for a better way would later earn her the distinguished Pfizer/ADHA Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene. Today, Judy Boothby is an internationally recognized dental hygienist who brings an abundance of information, education, and experience to the undeserved elderly and disabled populations.
Judy Boothby, RDHAP, has over 30 years experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She has played a tremendous role in changing the state laws to make mobile dental hygiene services possible to those who truly need them.
"I am a full time practicing dentist. I feel Judy Boothby is an outstanding hygienist, who exercises extraordinary care and diligence in the performance of her task. I personally have been impressed with her attention to detail, her persistence, and her pursuit of excellence, and her judgement in making both clinical and administrative decisions."
" Families like mine need and rely on people like you. Life is not well or easy at times and I appreciate the care and competence you displayed."
"I very much appreciate you helping my son. You conveyed a special sense of caring and knowledge... sharing information that will benefit his life."
After retiring and moving to the coast, my wife and I went to several dentists for prophylaxis and checkups. Not being satisfied with the thoroughness of the dentist's work we went back to Mrs. Boothby in Sacramento because we felt the better treatment justified the four hour drive each way.
Dental Hygiene Out and About provides mobile dental hygiene services to individuals within the greater Sacramento Metropolitan area. We believe that every individual has the right to make choices and to be treated with dignity and respect, in their comfort of their own home or facility environment. By bringing state of the art mobile dental equipment to the facility or home of our patients we strive to maintain and provide the highest standard of infection control, and preventative dental hygiene care.
Our company promotes active collaboration with other health-care professionals in creating a trans-disciplinary approach to preventative dental treatment. We work with your personal physician, dentist, pharmacist, nursing directors and staff and insurance company to bring you the level of dental care you require.
Dental Hygiene Out & About is owned by Judy Boothby RDHAP, BS, based in Fair Oaks, CA. We accept referrals for services from a broad range of parties, including memory care and skilled nursing facilities, private families, and the medical /dental community.
Our Mission Statement
Dental Hygiene Out & About follows all state and federal regulations for infection control, OSHA and HIPPA compliance.
Our Qualifications & Credentials
TEACHING
Dental Hygiene, AS Degree
Cabrillo College, Aptos, California
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
California State University, Sacramento, California
Specialized Graduate in Hygiene Education
University of Washington School of Dentistry
Seattle, Washington
MEMBERSHIPS
AWARDS
EDUCATION
Member of American Dental Hygienist's Association
Member of California Dental Hygienists' Association
Member of Sacramento Valley Component
Recipient of the Warner-Lambert / American Dental Hygiene Association Award
Medical Service Award, Sacramento Association for the Retarded
Appreciation Award , Sacramento Valley Dental Hygiene Component
Two year service with the American Dental Hygienists' Association Council for Regulation and Practice
Panel Speaker on Independent Practice 2004 16th Annual International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Madrid, Spain
Previously taught at the Member of West Los Angeles College
Currently teaching at University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni
School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California / in the Pacific Center
of Special Populations
PARTICIPATIONS
Sacramento Shriner's Hospital
University of California Medical Center
Sacramento Developmental Disabilities Council
Alta California Regional Center
Sacramento Parkinsons Association
Instructor of Dental Hygiene Care for Special Populations
