We recently connected with Paula Chebat and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Paula thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Bye Bye Biofilm started long before I became a business owner—it began during my time in dental hygiene school, sparked by a personal experience that changed the way I saw the dental profession forever.
A close family member of mine was battling a debilitating disease, one that stripped him of his independence—including the ability to brush his own teeth. As his condition progressed, our home was filled with healthcare providers—nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists—each playing a role in his care. But I couldn’t ignore the one glaring absence: no one from the dental community showed up.
I watched his oral health decline, knowing what I had learned in school—that poor oral hygiene can lead to infections, inflammation, and even worsen existing health conditions. And yet, it seemed like oral care was left off the list of essential medical services. I kept thinking, Why is no one addressing this? Why is there no system in place for people like him?
That moment planted a seed. I knew that if no one else was going to fill this gap, I wanted to. At the time, I was still in school, learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, but the vision for what would later become Bye Bye Biofilm was already forming in my mind. I wanted to create a mobile dental hygiene practice that would serve those who couldn’t easily access traditional dental care—people in nursing homes, care facilities, or even their own homes.
Years later, when I became a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP), I had the skills and licensure to finally bring this vision to life. But I also recognize that this wasn’t a path I created alone—it was the dedicated hygienists before me who fought for our profession, advocating for an expanded scope of practice that allows us to provide care in non-traditional settings. Thanks to their work, I was able to step into this role and build a business that ensures oral health is accessible to those who need it most.
The logic behind Bye Bye Biofilm was simple: oral health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity, and no one should be left behind just because they can’t physically make it to a dental office. This business isn’t just about cleaning teeth—it’s about dignity, accessibility, and changing the way we think about oral healthcare. And what excites me the most? Knowing that I’m helping people who would otherwise be forgotten.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who haven’t heard of me before, my name is Paula Chebat, and I’m a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) and the founder of Bye Bye Biofilm, a portable dental hygiene practice based in San Diego, CA. My journey into this field was deeply personal—it wasn’t just about choosing a career, but about solving a problem that had been overlooked for too long.
I first became interested in dental hygiene because of its direct impact on people’s health and confidence, but it wasn’t until I was in dental hygiene school that I saw a major gap in the healthcare system. When a close family member of mine was battling a debilitating disease, I witnessed firsthand how oral health was treated as an afterthought. Despite the presence of nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers, no one from the dental community showed up to help. That experience stuck with me and eventually led me to create Bye Bye Biofilm—a practice dedicated to bringing quality dental hygiene care directly to those who need it most.
At Bye Bye Biofilm, I provide mobile preventative and therapeutic dental hygiene services to individuals who face barriers to traditional dental care. This includes:
-Elderly patients
-Individuals with disabilities
-Those in nursing homes, assisted living, or homebound situations
My work is about more than just cleaning teeth—it’s about preventing disease, improving quality of life, and making oral health accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility or circumstances.
What truly sets Bye Bye Biofilm apart is my use of the latest dental technology, including Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)—a revolutionary, minimally invasive and maximally preventive approach to dental cleanings. This technology, which many traditional dental offices don’t even have yet, allows me to gently and effectively remove harmful biofilm using Airflow® technology instead of traditional scraping methods. The result? A more comfortable, thorough, and proactive way to maintain oral health.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being part of a growing movement of dental hygienists who are breaking the mold and expanding our profession’s reach. While Bye Bye Biofilm is my vision, I stand on the shoulders of the hygienists before me who fought to expand our scope of practice, making this kind of care possible.
For those looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled dental hygienist who will meet them where they are, Bye Bye Biofilm is here for you. Oral health is not a luxury—it’s essential, and I’m on a mission to ensure that no one is left behind.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I wasn’t always sure that dental hygiene was my path. At one point, I seriously considered getting a business degree and helping with my family’s business. I loved the idea of entrepreneurship and managing a company, but something kept pulling me toward healthcare.
As I learned more about dental hygiene, I realized it wasn’t just about cleaning teeth—it was about preventing disease, educating patients, and making a real impact. That’s when my passion clicked, and I knew I had found my purpose.
Ironically, my business mindset came full circle when I launched Bye Bye Biofilm, allowing me to combine my love for entrepreneurship, patient care, and advocacy. Looking back, that pivot was the best decision I ever made.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My assistant and best friend, Alanna Kilcrease, isn’t just someone who helps with my business—she’s someone who has been by my side through some of the most pivotal moments in my career. We first met while working at a toxic dental office, where we both experienced firsthand the frustrations of a work environment that didn’t prioritize patient care or value its employees. Though we left at different times, we eventually found ourselves working together again at a better dental office, where our friendship grew even stronger.
As we worked side by side, we had countless conversations about everything we wished was different in the dental field—the gaps in patient care, the lack of accessibility, and the limitations of traditional dentistry. Those conversations fueled the idea for Bye Bye Biofilm, and she was one of my biggest supporters in bringing it to life.
While I focus on providing clinical care, she plays an essential role behind the scenes. She assists me during appointments, helping ensure everything runs smoothly, and she is the mastermind behind all of our social media and outreach. Her ability to share our mission and educate people online has been a game-changer in helping us reach those who truly need our services.
Beyond the business, we also share a passion for giving back. We regularly participate in volunteer work together, making sure that even those who can’t afford care still receive the attention they deserve.
Having her by my side as both a friend and a trusted assistant has made this journey even more meaningful. Bye Bye Biofilm isn’t just a business—it’s a mission, and I’m so grateful to have someone who believes in it as much as I do.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
n/a