Dental Hygienist

Location: Indianapolis, IN, US, 46202 Organization: HHC Sub-Division: FQHC Schedule: Full Time Shift: Days Eskenazi Health serves as the public hospital division of the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services at the 333‑bed hospital and outpatient facilities both on and off of the Eskenazi Health downtown campus including at a network of Eskenazi Health Center sites located throughout Indianapolis. FLSA Status Non‑Exempt Position Summary Make a meaningful impact in community health. At Eskenazi Health, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high‑quality care to every patient we serve. As a Dental Hygienist , you will play a key role in promoting oral health, preventing disease, and creating a welcoming, positive patient experience. If you are passionate about patient education, preventive care, and supporting a collaborative dental team, we invite you to join us. The Dental Hygienist is responsible for providing comprehensive oral hygiene care, performing preventive and therapeutic clinical procedures, supporting dentists in patient management, and ensuring patient comfort and safety. The Dental Hygienist travels and fills in at other Eskenazi Health Center (EHC) Dental sites as needed. This role integrates patient care with other healthcare providers and supports the overall mission of Eskenazi Health. Essential Functions and Responsibilities Patient Care & Clinical Excellence: Prepare treatment rooms by following established procedures and infection‑control protocols. Welcome, soothe, seat, and drape patients to ensure comfort before treatment. Assess patient oral health by performing baseline evaluations, periodontal assessments, and oral cancer screenings. Provide high‑quality clinical hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, sealant placement, and fluoride applications in accordance with state laws and clinical standards. Detect signs of oral disease through visual examination, probing, palpation, and radiographic imaging. Apply fluoride and other cavity‑prevention agents to help arrest dental decay. Treatment Support & Expanded Functions: Maintain patient function and comfort by fabricating temporary restorations, cleaning and polishing removable appliances, removing excess cement, and assisting with restorations as permitted. Assist the dentist with dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, organizing emergency supplies, and keeping emergency contacts updated. Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, plaque control methods, and postoperative care. Answer patient and staff questions to support a smooth and informed care experience. Provide reminders and reinforce adherence to recommended dental hygiene visit schedules. Documentation & Compliance: Record all patient interactions and clinical findings accurately and in real time to ensure a complete, compliant dental record. Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold Eskenazi Health’s commitment to privacy and safety. Follow all clinic policies, procedures, rules, and regulatory guidelines to maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment. Equipment, Instrumentation & Resource Management: Maintain dental hygiene instruments by sterilizing, sharpening, and selecting the appropriate tools for each visit. Complete preventive maintenance on dental equipment, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate repairs when needed. Monitor and manage supply inventory by evaluating stock, anticipating needs, and expediting orders. Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies efficiently. Team Collaboration & Professional Practice: Evaluate each patient's oral health needs and select appropriate materials and equipment for treatment. Assist in managing the oral health of all clinic patients by collaborating with the broader care team and integrating hygiene care with overall health management. Perform independent procedures delegated by a dentist in accordance with state law and departmental protocols. Job Requirements Education: Associate degree in Dental Hygiene, Applied Science with a Dental Hygiene concentration, or equivalent from a program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Licensure: Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and active Dental Hygienist license in the State of Indiana . Continuing Education: Completion of 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years , with at least 50% obtained through live presentations or workshops . Certification: Must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Why Eskenazi Health? At Eskenazi Health, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team that values excellence, compassion, and community impact. We provide an environment where your skills are respected, your growth is supported, and your work truly makes a difference in the lives of patients across our community. Accredited by The Joint Commission and named as one of Indiana’s best employers by Forbes magazine for two consecutive years and the top hospital in the state for community benefit by the Lown Institute, Eskenazi Health’s programs have received national recognition while also offering new health care opportunities to the local community. As the sponsoring hospital for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, the city’s primary EMS provider, Eskenazi Health is also home to the first adult Level I trauma center in Indiana, the only verified adult burn center in Indiana and Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, the first community mental health center in Indiana, just to name a few. #J-18808-Ljbffr