Dental Assisting at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 4,127 students in Eau Claire, WI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,841 put Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Assisting program 56% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 62.9x 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 #89 out of 513 programs, Chippewa Valley Technical 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.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $56,841/yr (56% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$595K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
62.9x
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)
$9,448
Out-of-state: $13,834
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$52,505
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Dental Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Assisting program score?
At 66/100, Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What makes Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Assisting program stand out?
Ranked #89 of 513 programs nationally, Chippewa Valley Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Chippewa Valley Technical College?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Chippewa Valley Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Chippewa Valley Technical 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 →