Aging Americans (65 years and up) are increasing in population from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. Canada is no different, with the aging population accounting for about 18.9% of the total citizenry.
The older we all get, the more physical, cognitive, and transportation barriers make getting the necessary care for a better quality of life much more difficult. That is why I advocate for mobile dental hygiene as a career. It has become a crucial part of the healthcare puzzle. Instead of relying on taking seniors to a location, you get a flexible, patient-centered solution that comes to you.
Whether entering the field or looking to expand with a new business, understanding how to deliver quality dental care for older people at home is more than a professional advantage – it is a calling. Mobile hygienists are uniquely positioned to serve a drastically vulnerable population, ensuring dignity and excellence are maintained while making a difference with every happy smile.
Let me provide you with a comprehensive guide to walk you through developing a premium-quality mobile geriatric care unit. I’ll cover everything from preparation to legal considerations (U.S. and Canada) to how to effectively communicate with your patients. Becoming a trusted provider of senior oral care best practices is an excellent way to earn a profitable living and give back to the community.
Why Mobile Care Is a Game-Changer
Roughly 7 in 10 seniors have gum disease, and one in five has untreated tooth decay. Getting older should restrict a patient’s ability to receive quality care. Dental care for elderly people at home is more than a convenience. It can be transformative to overall healthcare standards.
Access: Reaching the Unreachable
You’ll find that many seniors spending their later years in care facilities, have a tough time getting transportation. They must rely on schedules or paying more money than “on-account,” which many simply cannot do.
When you provide mobile dentistry, you overcome many of the typical mobility issues, cognitive decline, or lack of transportation. You’re effectively busting through an invisible barrier to care.
Comfort: Reducing Anxiety & Confusion
Anxiety is tough for anyone. About 20% of your target client population will likely have forms of anxiety. Toss in neurological issues and things can be extremely stressful, no matter how you’ll prepare your space. You don’t want to trigger an anxiety episode when your goal is a calming experience.
Instead of forcing these at-risk clients into your schedule, I recommend shifting how you provide care. The more familiar the environment, the easier it is for people to engage. That is why offering care in a patient’s bedroom, community space, assisted living unit, or facility is so much better. It creates a calming effect, making treatment more effective and less stressful for both patient and provider. You make the world easier to manage when you bring essential services to those in need.
Equity: Closing the Gaps
More than 17 million older adults are economically insecure in the USA. While Canada has done a lot to lower the same number of low-income rates among older citizens, more work still needs to be done.
Mobile dental hygiene also helps close the equity gap in senior healthcare. Many marginalized or low-income seniors fall through the cracks of conventional healthcare models. Offering mobile services creates a vital access point for care that wouldn’t happen otherwise. It’s not just about cleaning teeth—it’s about improving systemic health outcomes through senior oral care best practices.

Step-by-Step: How to Deliver Mobile Geriatric Dental Care
What does a successful mobile visit look like from start to finish? It depends on your goals and how you wish to run your mobile dental business. While there are many factors to consider, I can better break down the steps you can use as a foundation.
Step 1 – Before the Visit: Prepare with Intention
Being a mobile hygienist means you’re the clinic. Preparation is everything. Here’s what I know you need to consider:
- Review patient history and consent forms in advance.
- Pack a sterilized portable kit including PPE, instruments, battery-powered handpieces, suction unit, and disposable covers.
- Bring extra gloves, masks, bibs, and sterilization pouches.
- Double-check your mobile chair, headlamp, and mirror for full functionality.
- Plan for infection control—use barriers, bags for biohazard waste, and sanitizing sprays or wipes.
A good “pro tip” is to keep a laminated checklist handy. This will give you a guide to follow, so even when you’re doing your best, you have a “safety net” to catch anything you may have missed.
That checklist is also a good idea if there are specific regional, state, or local considerations you have to adapt to. In other words, keep a laminated checklist for the particular geographic areas you service.
Step 2 – During the Visit: Establish Trust, Deliver Care
I believe every appointment is an opportunity to build trust and business rapport. Start by greeting both the patient and any family or caregivers. Explain what you’ll be doing and ensure the patient is physically positioned safely and comfortably. The more you communicate up front, the less confusion and more at ease your patients will be during the visit.
A typical visit may include:
- Visual oral cancer screening.
- Soft tissue and periodontal assessment.
- Tooth scaling and polishing (if appropriate).
- Denture inspection and cleaning.
- Patient or caregiver education on daily hygiene.
- Every action should be gentle, empathetic, and unrushed. Use positive reinforcement and adapt your communication for cognitive impairments if necessary.
Remember, just because a patient is older doesn’t mean they are any less aware of what is happening. Never treat them like children. Always offer professional service, but go a little further by breaking down what is happening so they feel well informed about everything around their personal space (comfort zone).
Step 3 – Follow-up Care
Once the visit is concluded, move through the payment system according to the dental insurance or agreement you have with your patient. Offer different payment methods as well as plans if they are on a fixed income.
You should also encourage follow-up visits, scheduling, and subtly mention leaving a positive review on your social media accounts or with popular websites like Yelp and Google Reviews.
There are three final things I always suggest you do after a visit:
- Give your patients a fun “goodie” bag. Have a little fun combining items like a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and flyer or business card for your mobile unit.
- Always give your patients praise. It’ll let them know you appreciate them and give you an opening for receiving feedback.
- Show appreciation for meeting with them once again. A thank you goes a long way to keep your business running.
Another trick I use is to send patients a birthday card. It is a back-office “thing,” but it helps build trust while showing appreciation. Also, older patients love something they can physically touch, so it’s better than an email.

In-Home vs. In-Clinic: Key Differences
The significant difference in dental care for elderly at home is adaptability. You may be working in tight quarters, with dim lighting, or with limited access to water and suction. Mobile dental hygienists must stay flexible and solution-focused. It’s not about replicating a full clinic but delivering functional, respectful care in any environment.
You are working with limited space. You should do some “test runs” with friends or coworkers so you can ensure full mobility in and out of your unit. Considering many of your older patients will need to transfer from a wheelchair or might use walkers and canes, you need to simulate these differences before going live.
Legal Mobile Dentistry Considerations
I love hearing about new mobile dentistry pursuits, but you will have to tiptoe around some legalities. It’s important you understand the legal framework for before launching your mobile dental hygiene services.
United States: Varies by State
In the U.S., mobile dental hygiene is regulated by state dental boards. Some states allow dental hygienists to practice independently; others require supervising dentists’ oversight or collaborative agreement. For example:
- Colorado and Oregon allow independent practice for hygienists
- Florida and Georgia require some level of dental supervision for mobile or public health settings
Some states restrict services like radiographs or fluoride application without prior authorization
Researching your state’s dental practice act and staying compliant with scope-of-practice laws is essential.
You want to look closely at the “scope of practice.” In most states, you’ll be allowed to perform preventive services, oral assessments, and referrals for more comprehensive treatment. Always check this before reinvesting in a mobile X-ray setup or some kind of treatment technology that may not be allowed in your specific geographic market.
Canada: Provincial Regulation
Opening a dental hygienist business is different in Canada. The various provinces all have their own rules. It’s easier in Alberta and British Columbia because they allow mobile or independent hygiene practice with minimal oversight. Others require dentist supervision or specific licensing for mobile setups.
A few tips:
- Contact your provincial dental hygiene regulatory authority for clear guidelines
- Secure proper insurance, including liability and equipment coverage
- Consider joining professional organizations that offer legal and operational support for mobile hygienists
Networking goes a long way to staying compliant. I love getting out in the community to find out who can support my business and how I can help others expand their offerings. Not only will you get referrals that help you fund your business, but you’ll gain insight into how one province works compared to another. Join the local business associations whenever possible.
Patient Communication & Consent
I cannot stress enough that communication is crucial to your business. Older adults may not hear that well or have language barriers due to different cultural backgrounds and health issues. You’ll have to be as clear and consistent as possible to deliver the best care.
Build Trust Before You Begin
Long before your patient takes a seat, you’ll need to introduce yourself. Maintain a soft, warm, and calm tone. You want to reassure them using eye contact and carefully expslaingi9n each step so you can visually confirm they understand.
I like to involve family members or caregivers ASAP. They’ll help the patient feel more at ease. If the patient appears confused or anxious, slow your pace, minimize background noise, and simplify your language.
Informed Consent in Mobile Settings
Informed consent is both an ethical obligation and a legal requirement (in the U.S.). Make sure patients—or their legal guardians (those with medical POA)—clearly understand the procedure, risks, and benefits before you begin. In mobile settings, this often means:
- Obtaining consent forms before your visit (via email or caregiver).
- Having printed forms and a clipboard ready on-site.
- Offering verbal explanations for every step during the appointment.
- Documenting all signed and verbal permissions carefully.
For patients with dementia, guardianship documentation will be required. In those cases, consent must be provided by the Power of Attorney for healthcare or the legal guardian.
Empathetic communication is at the heart of senior oral care best practices. It’s about dignity, safety, and building a relationship that respects the whole person, not just their teeth.
Billing, Insurance, and Documentation Basics
Running a mobile dental hygiene practice also means navigating billing and documentation, especially if you want your services to be sustainable and scalable.
Know the Codes
Billing for dental care for elderly at home includes both standard CDT codes and additional modifiers for mobile or on-site services. I know this may take a little time to learn, but understanding codes goes a long way to helping you succeed. Common examples include:
- D1110 – Adult prophylaxis
- D1206 – Topical fluoride varnish
- D1330 – Oral hygiene instruction
- D9410 – House/extended care facility call
- D9999 – Unlisted procedure (used when care is adapted for mobile or special needs)
There are tons of trustworthy “remote” medical billers you can use. Some dental software will have these codes built into their reporting systems, but having a team complete the insurance backend processing helps because they will perform the follow-up often required to get past U.S. insurance provider gatekeepers.
Make sure to check with insurance carriers to see whether modifiers or documentation (e.g., mobile site logs or pre-approvals) are required.
Accepting Insurance vs. Private Pay
Depending on your jurisdiction and your clients’ needs, your patients may qualify for:
- Medicaid (coverage varies by state)
- VA or military-related benefits
- Private insurance (with preauthorization)
- Out-of-pocket/private pay
- Facility-based contracts (especially in LTC or assisted living)
A good workaround is to offer monthly wellness plans or bundled service packages for seniors or families who prefer cash pay. This approach simplifies billing and helps reduce stress for caregivers. Your clients feel they are saving some money, and you’re getting more reliable business and revenue projections when it comes time to double-checking your books.
Documentation: Keep it Simple, Legal, and Secure
Patient information is one of the most secure items in your mobile dental hygienist practice. It must be under physical and digital lock and key at all times. Be sure to:
- Keep HIPAA-compliant records (digital or paper)
- Use secure cloud-based EHR tools if possible
- Log visit times, services provided, and follow-up notes
- Include documentation of consent, communication issues, and caregiver education
Accurate documentation protects both you and your patients, and it reinforces your reputation as a trustworthy provider of senior oral care best practices. Again, you may want to invest in dental practice software (EHR) that will smooth out this entire process.
Different Types of Mobile Dentistry Setups
I’ve never found a one-size-fits-all solution for mobile dental hygiene. Your setup should reflect your target population, budget, and scope of practice. Here are the most common models:
Type I: In-Home Visits
Ideal for private patients, homebound seniors, or individuals with dementia. This model requires:
- A compact, portable setup
- Advance scheduling and caregiver communication
- Flexibility in lighting and seating
You’ll find this business model best for solo hygienists or those offering dental care for elderly at home in small numbers.
Type II: LTC & Assisted Living Facility Contracts
In this model, you serve multiple patients at a single location. It’s efficient, but requires:
- Facility agreements and approvals
- Proper infection control protocols
- HIPAA-compliant documentation coordination
Working in these settings positions you as a champion for vulnerable seniors, many of whom receive little to no routine oral care. You’ll also see your business grow rapidly due to word of mouth with the care home owners and families of residents. These communities love to celebrate individuals or organizations that go out of the way to help.
Type III: Pop-Up Clinics (Churches, Community Centers)
These events can build visibility, especially in underserved areas. You’ll need:
- Portable chairs and a sanitation station
- A system for scheduling and intake
- Community partnerships (e.g., local senior centers, nonprofit health fairs)
Great for outreach and building trust with new communities. You should look at the models of mobile dental units that serve schools in the USA. These run very similar programs and can give you a blueprint to get started.
Type IV: Van-Based Dental Units
These are high-investment, high-reward models. You’ll need a customized vehicle equipped with:
- Dental chair and suction
- Generator or power supply
- Sterilization and water systems
You would be amazed at how well these types of mobile units do in terms of care and income. One van can service a large geographic area, but you do need to customize the equipment a bit to make use of the space. An RV or long utility vehicle is best. They are typically used by teams or organizations that serve large populations or rural areas.
No matter your setup, the goal is the same: deliver accessible, respectful, and high-quality dental care for elderly at home, on their terms.
Final Thoughts & CTA: Train with the Geriatric Tooth Fairy Herself
I know helping those with physical or health issues at an older age seems like a challenge. All it really takes is a little more empathy and understanding. You’ll find these patients to be extremely receptive to your care. All you need to do is take the first step.
You can receive your Geriatric Oral Care Certification course or learn more about my practice through my website. That will give you the proof your clients need that you have the skills and understanding to meet their unique dental needs.
In addition to the certification, I offer one-on-one coaching programs and a free guide to give you even more background for developing a mobile business of your own. Sign up today and make a difference in the lives of one of the most at-risk populations in North America – one smile at a time.