Hands-On Training and Giving Back: Inside the EVIT Dental Assisting Program

When high school students and adult learners look for real career paths right out of the gate, few programs deliver practical experience quite like the East Valley Institute of Technology.

On a recent episode of Eye on EVIT hosted by Michael Mallace on 88.7 The Pulse, dental assisting instructor Samantha McVey and a panel of students sat down to discuss the program, the power of hands-on technical training, and how they are giving back to the community through a campus-wide toothbrush drive.

Real Skills, Real Certifications

The dental assisting program at EVIT is currently training roughly 184 students across both high school and adult education tracks. Unlike traditional lecture-only classes, students spend their days learning chairside skills using typodont models, lab exercises, and peer practice before heading out to work with live patients.

“We’re one of the few programs where you can be in your exact career right off the bat,” explained instructor Samantha McVey. “You don’t need anything extra.”

Before students graduate, they complete between 100 and 120 clinical hours working alongside dentists, hygienists, and professional dental assistants across the Valley. They also earn key credentials needed to step straight into an office:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification
• Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification, which legally permits assistants to take dental X-rays on patients

For many students, those clinical rotations turn directly into job offers upon completion.

Clear Pathways to the Future

Whether students plan to enter the workforce immediately or pursue higher education, EVIT provides a flexible springboard. During the interview, students shared how the dental program fits into their individual career goals:

• Ella, an online high school student, joined the program after seeing her sister complete EVIT veterinary assisting. She found a strong community among her classmates and loves the practical lab work.
• Riley, a student from Hamilton High School, has her sights set on becoming an orthodontist. She is using EVIT to build a foundational understanding of patient care and confidence-building smiles.
• Anne, who enrolled as an adult learner after high school graduation, switched paths on a whim and fell in love with the fast-paced, applied clinic environment.
• Lisa, attending from ACP High School, plans to apply her hands-on EVIT clinical hours toward pre-dental prerequisites as she prepares for universities like USC or UCLA.

Strong Earning Potential Across the Dental Industry

Beyond entry-level opportunities, dental careers offer strong upward mobility and work-life balance. As McVey outlined during the broadcast:

• Dental Assistants: Entry wages typically range from $20 to $25 per hour, reaching up to $30 per hour. Assistants who earn Expanded Functions credentials can see pay rise to $30 to $35 per hour.
• Dental Hygienists: Professionals in this field make around $50 per hour, enjoying predictable scheduling, great patient interaction, and flexibility.
• Dentists and Specialists: General dentists often start between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, with specialties like orthodontics and oral surgery reaching $200,000 to $300,000 or more per year.

Giving Back: The Annual Toothbrush Drive

In addition to classroom learning, EVIT dental assisting students are making an immediate impact on community health through their annual toothbrush drive.

The program is collecting new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to support healthy smiles, encourage better dental habits, and assist local organizations in need. Beneficiaries include Phoenix Children’s Hospital, domestic violence shelters, and local community facilities.

“If our listeners are like me, you probably have a shoebox in your cabinet underneath the sink with toothpaste and toothbrushes you’ve collected from the dentist over the years,” noted host Michael Mallace. “Bring them all in and donate them.”

Collection Details and How to Donate

• Collection Dates: November 2nd to December 4th
• Items Needed: New toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss

On Campus: EVIT students can drop off supplies directly into the collection boxes located in their classrooms.

Community Drop-Off: Members of the public who wish to contribute can bring donations to the collection boxes located in the reception areas at either EVIT campus:

• EVIT Main Campus: 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ
• EVIT Power Campus: 6625 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ

Listen Live and On Demand

You can hear the full interview on the EYE On EVIT podcast right here on 887thepulse.com or through the 88.7 The Pulse mobile app. Tune in to Eye On EVIT / The Public Pulse every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM on 88.7 FM.