Dental Assisting at Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

enrolling 11,455 students in Warwick, RI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,490/yr, roughly in line with the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 81.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Ranked #160 out of 513 programs, Community College of Rhode Island's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,490 to $41,735 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
60
Score
60
High End
Earnings $32,490/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$438K
6.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
82.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,326
Out-of-state: $14,210
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,735
28% 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

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Community College of Rhode Island

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Community College of Rhode Island's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
If Community College of Rhode Island'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.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Community College of Rhode Island graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →