Dental Assisting at Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Prestonsburg, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 1,590 students in Prestonsburg, KY.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Big Sandy Community and Technical College's Dental Assisting program earn $45,951/yr in their first year — 26% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 51.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.

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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At #131 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Big Sandy Community and Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

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.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $45,951/yr (26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$46K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
51.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,312
Out-of-state: $12,384
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,623
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

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 Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Big Sandy Community and Technical College?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College?
Beyond Big Sandy Community and Technical College's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Dental Assisting careers — including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Big Sandy Community and Technical College find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Big Sandy Community and 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 →