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Dental Assisting at Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 2,300 students in Portsmouth, OH.

Program Analysis

Shawnee State University's Dental Assisting graduates start at $38,644/yr — above the $36,429 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 31.2x 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 34% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,494 in median debt clears fast against $38,644 in annual earnings.

Ranked #231 out of 513 programs, Shawnee State University's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,644 to $56,236 shows 46% 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.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $38,644/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$611K
9.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.7x
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)
$19,244
Out-of-state: $32,314
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,494
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,236
46% 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 Shawnee State University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

View all 513 schools offering Dental Assisting →

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Chabot College ($85,175) Shoreline Community College ($78,372) Community College of Denver ($76,712) Cabrillo College ($74,741) Concorde Career College-San Bernardino ($73,660) Concorde Career College-Garden Grove ($72,160) Pima Medical Institute-Tucson ($71,216) Pima Medical Institute-Seattle ($71,216)

Other Majors at Shawnee State University

Allied Health Professions ($54,151) Nursing ($52,594) Medical Assisting ($36,376)

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Compare Dental Assisting degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Shawnee State University?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Shawnee State University?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Shawnee State University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
The 34% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Dental Assisting are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Shawnee State University?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Shawnee State University graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →