Dental Assisting at Career Care Institute

Lancaster, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 649 students in Lancaster, CA.

Program Analysis

At $28,017 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Career Care Institute earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

The median debt load of $7,424 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #298 out of 513 programs, Career Care Institute's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $28,017 to $29,653 over five years (6% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
45
Score
46
High End
Earnings $28,017/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$299K
1.4% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$7,424
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,653
6% 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

Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Career Care Institute

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Career Care Institute's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Dental Assisting at Career Care Institute?
At $7,424 in median debt, Dental Assisting graduates from Career Care Institute carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Career Care Institute?
Lower starting pay at Career Care Institute may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Career Care Institute?
If Career Care Institute's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →