Dental Assisting at National Career College

Panorama City, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 366 students in Panorama City, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,958 place National Career College below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $19,958 far exceeding the $9,611 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #464 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places National Career College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $19,958/yr (-45% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$20K
Reported median after graduation
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,611
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$18,131
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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from National Career 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 National Career 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 40/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at National Career College?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at National Career College?
Lower starting pay at National Career College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing National Career College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from National Career College?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For National Career College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →