Dental Assisting at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 1,277 in Fennimore, WI.

Program Analysis

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Dental Assisting graduates start at $25,791/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 69.3x 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 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Ranked #235 out of 513 programs, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,791 to $32,220 shows 25% 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
48
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $25,791/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$336K
5.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
70.0x
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)
$4,796
Out-of-state: $6,989
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,220
25% 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

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwest Wisconsin Technical 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 52/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Lower starting pay at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
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 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Southwest Wisconsin Technical 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 →