Dental Assisting at Catawba Valley Community College
with a smaller student body of 3,517 in Hickory, NC.
Program Analysis
Graduates of Catawba Valley Community College's Dental Assisting program earn $55,128/yr in their first year — 51% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The 121.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.
Ranked #25 out of 513 programs, Catawba Valley Community College's Dental Assisting program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.
Earnings Overview
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% |
Dental Assisting Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Catawba Valley Community College and 512 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Catawba Valley Community College
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