Dental Assisting at Amarillo College

Amarillo, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

serving 7,347 students in Amarillo, TX.

Program Analysis

Amarillo College's Dental Assisting graduates start at $42,484/yr — above the $36,429 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 149.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 32% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,000 in median debt clears fast against $42,484 in annual earnings.

Ranked #44 of 513 programs, Amarillo College's Dental Assisting program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $42,484 to $60,259 over five years — a 42% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $42,484/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$650K
9.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
152.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,272
Out-of-state: $9,408
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,259
42% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Dental hygienists $94,260 +7.0% 81%
Dental laboratory technicians $48,310 -4.7% 96%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Dental hygienists
$94,260
+7.0% growth 81% AI-proof
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310
-4.7% growth 96% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Dental Assisting Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Amarillo College and 512 other schools.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Amarillo College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Amarillo College?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How affordable is Dental Assisting at Amarillo College?
At $12,000 in median debt, Dental Assisting graduates from Amarillo College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Amarillo College?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Assisting occupations, such as Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) and Dental Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
The 32% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Dental Assisting are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Amarillo College?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Amarillo College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →