Dental Assisting at Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, NC · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 3,255 students in Sanford, NC.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,311/yr fall 20% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 120.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #137 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Central Carolina Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $29,311/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$307K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
120.1x
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)
$2,554
Out-of-state: $8,698

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 Central Carolina Community 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 Central Carolina Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Central Carolina Community College?
At 61/100, Central Carolina Community College's Dental Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Central Carolina Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
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 job market like for Dental Assisting from Central Carolina Community College?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Central Carolina Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →