Dental Assisting at Centura College-Norfolk
with a smaller student body of 193 in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $24,569/yr fall 33% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 16.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $9,500 in median debt against $24,569 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #491 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Centura College-Norfolk in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $24,569 to $26,362 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Centura College-Norfolk
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