Dental Assisting at UEI College-Oceanside

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

a smaller institution with 777 students in Oceanside, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,904 place UEI College-Oceanside below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 23% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $19,904 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #467 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, UEI College-Oceanside falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $19,904 to $25,872 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $19,904/yr (-45% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$272K
6.8% 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
$9,500
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,872
30% 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 UEI College-Oceanside? 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 UEI College-Oceanside

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does UEI College-Oceanside's Dental Assisting program score?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at UEI College-Oceanside?
Starting salary is one data point. If UEI College-Oceanside's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
If UEI College-Oceanside'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.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. UEI College-Oceanside graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →