This October, as we celebrate National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month, the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy recognizes Indiana’s dental hygienists – the dedicated professionals who play a crucial role in preventive oral health care and patient education.
Indiana’s Dental Hygienist Snapshot:
- 96.7% of hygienists work directly in patient care
- Most provide services in dental office settings
- 83% received their education in Indiana, demonstrating strong in-state retention
- More hygienists are pursuing bachelor’s degrees than ever before
- Increasing diversity: the percentage of hygienists identifying as Hispanic, Latino(a), or Spanish origin grew from 1.6% in 2010 to 3.6% in 2022, more than doubling over twelve years
- Expanding services: hygienists provide critical preventive care including cleanings, sealants, oral cancer screenings, and tobacco cessation counseling
Despite workforce growth over the past decade, dental hygienists remain in high demand across Indiana. Dentists consistently report dental hygiene positions as their most challenging positions to fill.
Learn more about Indiana’s dental hygiene workforce through our comprehensive reports: