Dental Assisting at Guilford Technical Community College

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

enrolling 8,179 students in Jamestown, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,905/yr, roughly in line with the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 143.9x 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.

With first-year pay of $31,905 far exceeding the $10,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #103 of 513 nationally, this is a top-5% Dental Assisting program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $31,905/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$334K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
143.9x
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)
$2,319
Out-of-state: $7,695
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$35,353
11% 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

See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Guilford Technical 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 Guilford Technical Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Guilford Technical Community College?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
Why does Guilford Technical Community College rank so high for Dental Assisting?
Ranked #103 of 513 programs nationally, Guilford Technical Community 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 Guilford Technical Community College?
If Guilford Technical Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Guilford Technical Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Guilford Technical Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in NC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →