Dental Assisting at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

Chattanooga, TN · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 311 students in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

At $29,984 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 14.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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 $17,669 against $29,984/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #387 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $29,984/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$30K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
14.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$21,380
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,669
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,126
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

Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
At 42/100, 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 Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
If Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers'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?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →