Dental Assisting at Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 2,827 in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,901 put Hennepin Technical College's Dental Assisting program 31% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.6x 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 #151 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Hennepin 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.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
60
Score
60
High End
Earnings $47,901/yr (31% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$48K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
42.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$11,762
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,397
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 Hennepin Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hennepin Technical College's Dental Assisting program score?
At 60/100, Hennepin Technical College's Dental Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Hennepin Technical College?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Assisting occupations, such as Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) and Dental Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Hennepin Technical College graduates specifically, local market conditions in MN may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →