Paityn Boyle, 21, grew up hearing her dental assistant mom tell stories about the patients she worked with each day, so it was only natural that the Hendersonville native felt drawn to the dentistry field. Boyle, who is in her second semester of A-B Tech’s dental assisting program, recently was one of six dental assisting students nationwide to win a 2025 American Dental Association/Dental Assisting National Board Scholarship. Recipients were chosen who demonstrated a strong commitment to career growth and lifelong learning in the profession.
Dental Assisting Chair Tisha Anderson emphasized Boyle’s professionalism and commitment to patient care.
“Receiving this award places (her) among a select group of dental professionals across the country, which sets her apart,” she said. “Paityn took the initiative and applied (for the scholarship) to show her dedication to the profession.”
For Boyle, the $350 scholarship came at the right time. The busy student is preparing to be married in April and has been juggling clinicals and school while waiting tables evenings at Blue Ridge Pizza in Etowah to help save money for the big event. The scholarship, she said, will go toward covering the Certified Dental Assistant exam she will take after she graduates.
“I was super grateful (to win)”, she said. “Knowing I have the test covered has been a big weight off my shoulders.”
Boyle will graduate this May and plans to work as a dental assistant locally while going on for a dental hygiene degree. She said she enjoys dental assisting because it makes a difference in people’s lives and their level of happiness.
“It’s a vulnerable place for some people when they feel ashamed of their mouths,” she said. “Being able to bring that light back into their eyes and help them achieve the smiles they want is eye-opening… Although you’re not the dentist, working with them is still so heartwarming to see the change.”