October is National Dental Hygiene Month 

This month, in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, IPHCA is proud to spotlight dental hygienists who were recognized by their Community Health Centers for their outstanding service. These dedicated professionals are not only advancing oral health but also strengthening the overall health and well-being of the communities they serve.

From fostering patient education and preventive care to advocating for whole-person health, our dental hygienists embody compassion, commitment, and expertise at the heart of community health. We celebrate their incredible contributions and the difference they continue to make every day.

Eskenazi Health Centers 

At Eskenazi Health, our dental hygienists are the heart of our two dental clinics—combining skills, compassion, and education to improve not only oral health but the overall well-being of our patients. Every day, they deliver preventive care, early detection, and patient-centered guidance that build healthier smiles and healthier lives.

Going beyond routine care, our hygienists take time during appointments to connect with patients through surveys such as SDOH and other outreach, ensuring that individuals are also provided with resources that extend beyond oral health. By recognizing social needs and working to create greater access to care, they serve as trusted advocates who strengthen the bridge between dentistry and overall health.  

We’re proud to celebrate all our dental hygienists at Eskenazi Health for their extraordinary contributions and dedication. Their work inspires colleagues across the CHC network and highlights how dental care can be a powerful gateway to total health.

Jane Pauley Community Health Centers 

Jane Pauley Community Health Center is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our dedicated dental hygienist Stephanie Schafer, who has been an integral part of our team since 2018. With over 30 years of experience in the field, she brings not only a wealth of clinical knowledge and skill but also a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Her expertise and compassionate approach have made a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the people we serve at Jane Pauley Community Health Center.

Beyond her technical excellence, she plays a vital role in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for every patient who walks through our doors. Her passion for oral health education and preventive care has empowered countless patients to take charge of their dental health. We are incredibly grateful for her tireless dedication, professionalism, and the positive energy she brings to our team each day. 

This Dental Hygiene Month, we honor her service and celebrate the difference she continues to make in our community.

Maple City Health Center

MCHC would like to take the time to recognize one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable hygienists they’ve had the opportunity to work with for National Dental Hygiene Month.  Monica Murillo has such a passion for providing health care to the whole patient, not just the mouth.  She collaborates with our CHC medical providers and is a big advocate for getting to the root causes of patient symptoms.  Sometimes this is a vitamin deficiency, undiagnosed diabetes, or sleep disturbances.

She goes above and beyond for her patients and truly cares about their well-being.  She has worked with our community and referral partners to steer patients in the right direction when it comes to getting them the best possible care.  She has given presentations to our parenting groups to educate on the importance of oral health care starting from birth through early childhood.

We are lucky to know her and are privileged to work alongside her at Maple City Health Care Center.  I know she will continue to shine her light in everything she does.

Northshore Health Centers 

Kimberly Balko has been a hygienist with NorthShore Health Centers since 2010. She is a knowledgeable and caring hygienist and has been an integral part of the hygiene department and overall growth at NorthShore. When she started here, there was the original location in Portage High School and 1 additional office in Lake Station. Currently, there are 7 locations that offer dental care. During the tough time during COVID, Kim was instrumental in keeping the staff and patients safe with her knowledge and adaptability. She loves getting to know her patients and helping them overcome their dental anxieties.

Kim was born and raised in Valparaiso, where she currently resides with her husband and 2 boys. She has known her husband since they were children. She loves to read, hike, and spend time with family and friends in her spare time.

Thank you for your dedication, Kim!

IPHCA congratulates and thanks all Indiana CHC dental hygienists for their dedication and impact. Your hard work is essential to advancing oral health and building healthier communities across our state.

Ways to Celebrate Your Hygienists:

• Host a team appreciation lunch or breakfast.
• Share patients’ thank-you boards or notes of gratitude.
• Spotlight your hygienists on social media and in newsletters.
• Provide small tokens of appreciation, such as wellness gifts or professional development resources.
• Encourage patients to say “thank you” during their visits.