Dental Assisting at Central Piedmont Community College

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

enrolling 13,640 students in Charlotte, NC.

Program Analysis

At $31,360/yr, Dental Assisting graduates from Central Piedmont Community College land near the $36,429 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 117.5x 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.

Central Piedmont Community College ranks #121 among 513 Dental Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $31,360/yr (-14% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$328K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
117.5x
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)
$2,792
Out-of-state: $8,936

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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Central Piedmont Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Piedmont Community College

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 Central Piedmont Community College's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Is Central Piedmont Community College one of the best schools for Dental Assisting?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Central Piedmont Community College's #121 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Central Piedmont Community 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.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Central Piedmont 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 →