A Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice is a licensed dental hygienist with specialized training and holds a specific license to allow him or her to practice in settings outside of the traditional dental office. These practice settings may include but are not limited to schools, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, private homes and in some instances their own RDHAP offices. The RDHAP licensure was created in 1998 by California legislature. It is awarded to a Registered Dental Hygienist passing the state exam, with a Bachelor's or equivalent, verification of practice experience, a certificate of completion of an accredited post-graduate training program specific for this license and must pass it's state examination.