Dental Assisting at Chabot College

Hayward, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

enrolling 10,861 students in Hayward, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $85,175 put Chabot College's Dental Assisting program 134% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 387.4x 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.

Ranked #2 of 513 Dental Assisting programs nationally, Chabot College sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

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.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
79
Score
80
High End
Earnings $85,175/yr (134% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$85K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
387.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,300
Out-of-state: $17,372
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,515
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

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Chabot College?
At 79/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Why does Chabot College rank so high for Dental Assisting?
Ranked #2 of 513 programs nationally, Chabot College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Chabot College?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Chabot College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Chabot College find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Chabot College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →