Dental Assisting at Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 9,367 in Daytona Beach, FL.

Program Analysis

Daytona State College's Dental Assisting program produces graduates earning $32,107/yr — within striking distance of the $36,429 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 108.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At #114 of 513 nationally, this is a top-5% Dental Assisting program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $33,018 are relatively flat compared to the $32,107 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $32,107/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$336K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
108.1x
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)
$3,106
Out-of-state: $11,994
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,018
3% 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

Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Daytona State College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Daytona State College?
This program scores 62/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
What makes Daytona State College's Dental Assisting program stand out?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Daytona State College's #114 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
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 Daytona State College.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Daytona State College find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Daytona State 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 →