School-Based Mobile Dental Programs

Foundation

• Why School-Based NOW
• The Business Model
• RDH Independence Path

Funding & Revenue

• State Grant Opportunities
• Medicaid Billing Codes
• Revenue Projections

Implementation

• Equipment Requirements
• Compliance Checklist
• School Partnerships

Case Study

• Real Program: $180K Year 1
• 90-Day Launch Plan

States with School Dental Mandates or Strong Incentives (2025):

💡 What This Means for RDHs:

In most states, you can build an independent school-based practice providing cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and screenings—without being employed by a dentist. This is YOUR business opportunity.

📊 Total Annual Funding: $580+ Million

This doesn't include state-specific programs (California alone has $75M in additional school dental funding).

The opportunity: Most of this funding goes unclaimed because providers don't know it exists or don't want to deal with the paperwork. That's your competitive advantage.

📊 Annual Revenue Breakdown:

💰 Operating Costs (5-school circuit):

• RDH salary/draw: $90,000-120,000
• Part-time assistant: $35,000
• Equipment (amortized): $12,000/year
• Supplies & materials: $85,000
• Vehicle, gas, insurance: $18,000
• Billing & admin: $25,000
• Liability insurance: $8,000
• Marketing & misc: $12,000

Total Operating Costs: $285,000-315,000

Net Profit (Year 1):

$434,000 - $464,000

For an RDH running their own program, this is life-changing income while serving underserved children.

✅ Legal Independence

In 47 states, RDHs can provide preventive services in schools without direct dentist supervision. You're not an employee—you're a business owner.

💰 Higher Earning Potential

Average RDH salary: $77K. School-based independent RDH: $120K-180K+. You're capturing the full value of your services.

📅 Predictable Schedule

Schools operate Monday-Friday, no evenings, no weekends. Summer off (or use for other contracts). Family-friendly schedule.

🎯 Scope Match

School programs are 80% preventive: cleanings, fluoride, sealants, screenings. Perfect match for RDH scope of practice.

💝 Mission-Driven

Serve children who otherwise wouldn't receive dental care. Make a genuine public health impact while building wealth.

🚀 Scalable Model

Start with 2-3 schools. Add more schools or hire additional RDHs to expand. Build a real business, not just a job.

California: Oral Health Program Grants

Funding: $75 million annually statewide
Award range: $100,000 - $500,000 per program
Focus: School sealant programs, mobile dental clinics
Contact: CA Dept of Public Health, Oral Health Program

New York: School-Based Health Centers Grants

Funding: $40 million annually
Award range: $75,000 - $250,000
Focus: Comprehensive school health including dental
Contact: NY State DOH, Bureau of School Health

Texas: Oral Health Services Program

Funding: $28 million annually
Award range: $50,000 - $200,000
Focus: Dental services in Title I schools
Contact: TX DSHS, Oral Health Program

Illinois: School-Based Dental Sealant Program

Funding: $15 million annually
Award range: $35,000 - $150,000
Focus: Preventive services in high-need schools
Contact: IL Dept of Public Health, Office of Oral Health

💡 Grant Application Tips:

• Apply for MULTIPLE grants (they're not mutually exclusive)
• Partner with existing school health centers or community health organizations (strengthens applications)
• Emphasize health equity and serving underserved populations
• Include letters of support from school districts and community partners
• Budget realistically—equipment, staffing, supplies, billing costs
• Most grants renewable annually if you show results

📌 Check Your State Rates:

Contact your state Medicaid dental program for current fee schedules. Most publish fee schedules online. Search "[Your State] Medicaid dental fee schedule 2025"

ProSeal II Portable Hygiene Unit

Purpose-built for preventive school programs

Everything you need to launch:

💡 Grant Funding Strategy:

Apply for HRSA or state health department grant requesting $25K-50K for "equipment, supplies, and first-year operations." Most grant programs specifically fund school dental equipment. Your $18,796 startup cost is easily justified and usually fully funded.

✅ Legal & Licensing Requirements

• ☐ Current RDH or dental license in state
• ☐ Collaborative practice agreement (if required by state)
• ☐ Public health permit or endorsement (some states)
• ☐ Medicaid provider enrollment
• ☐ NPI number (National Provider Identifier)
• ☐ DEA number (if providing any controlled substances - rare in schools)
• ☐ State background check clearance
• ☐ Child abuse/neglect clearance
• ☐ Fingerprinting (required in many states for school access)

✅ Insurance & Liability

• ☐ Professional liability insurance ($1M/$3M minimum)
• ☐ General liability insurance
• ☐ Commercial auto insurance (if transporting equipment)
• ☐ Equipment insurance
• ☐ Workers compensation (if hiring staff)
• ☐ School district added as "additional insured" on policies

✅ HIPAA & Privacy Compliance

• ☐ HIPAA-compliant practice management software
• ☐ Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with any vendors
• ☐ FERPA compliance training (school records privacy law)
• ☐ Secure storage for student health records
• ☐ Encrypted data transmission for billing
• ☐ Privacy notice for parents/guardians
• ☐ Staff HIPAA training (if applicable)

✅ Required Documentation & Forms

• ☐ Parental consent forms (bilingual if needed)
• ☐ Health history questionnaires
• ☐ Treatment authorization forms
• ☐ Medicaid consent forms
• ☐ Photo/media release forms (optional but recommended)
• ☐ Emergency contact information
• ☐ Referral protocols for urgent needs
• ☐ OSHA Exposure Control Plan
• ☐ Infection control protocols

CASE STUDY

Sarah Johnson, RDH

Independent School Dental Program | Portland, Oregon

Background

Sarah was a dental hygienist earning $75,000/year in a private practice. She wanted more autonomy and the ability to serve underserved children. In 2024, she launched an independent school-based dental program serving 3 Title I elementary schools in Portland.

Program Setup

Year 1 Revenue Breakdown

Year 1 Expenses

Sarah's Year 1 Net Income:

$164,975

More than double her previous RDH salary, working 3 days/week, serving children who desperately needed care.

💬 Sarah's Reflection:

"I was terrified to leave my stable job. But the grant funding de-risked it—I had equipment paid for before I even started. Year 1, I treated 400 students who'd never seen a dentist. Many had never had their teeth cleaned. The income is incredible, but honestly, the impact is what keeps me going. I'm expanding to 2 more schools next year."