Dental Assisting at Hudson Valley Community College

First-year earnings of $52,151 put Hudson Valley Community College's Dental Assisting program 43% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 40.8x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

With first-year pay of $52,151 far exceeding the $16,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #155 out of 513 programs, Hudson Valley Community College's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $52,151 to $52,235 over five years (0% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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