Dental Assisting at Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 2,682 in Jacksonville, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Coastal Carolina Community College's Dental Assisting program earn $50,081/yr in their first year — 37% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 136.1x 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 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

A #32 ranking out of 513 Dental Assisting programs nationally puts Coastal Carolina Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $50,081 to $64,575 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
72
Score
72
High End
Earnings $50,081/yr (37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$678K
6.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
137.6x
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)
$4,924
Out-of-state: $17,212
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,575
29% 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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Coastal Carolina 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 Coastal 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Coastal Carolina Community College?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Dental Assisting nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Coastal Carolina Community College?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Assisting career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Coastal Carolina Community College.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Coastal Carolina Community College find jobs?
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 →