Dental Assisting at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 152 in Wilmington, NC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,998 place Miller-Motte College-Wilmington below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

The $24,778 debt-to-$26,998 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #281 out of 513 programs, Miller-Motte College-Wilmington's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,998 to $34,364 shows 27% 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.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
45
Score
45
High End
Earnings $26,998/yr (-26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$359K
6.2% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$24,778
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,364
27% 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

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 Miller-Motte College-Wilmington

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Miller-Motte College-Wilmington's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
If Miller-Motte College-Wilmington'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 Miller-Motte College-Wilmington find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Dental Assisting have roughly 99,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →