Dental Assisting at Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 3,029 in Council Bluffs, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Iowa Western Community College's Dental Assisting program earn $64,917/yr in their first year — 78% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 50.1x 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.

Iowa Western Community College ranks #90 among 513 Dental Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
65
Score
65
High End
Earnings $64,917/yr (78% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$65K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
50.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$13,560
Out-of-state: $13,860
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,981
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 Iowa Western Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Iowa Western Community College?
At 65/100, Iowa Western Community College's Dental Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Iowa Western Community College one of the best schools for Dental Assisting?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Iowa Western Community College's #90 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Iowa Western Community College?
Beyond Iowa Western Community College's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Dental Assisting careers — including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Iowa Western Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Iowa Western Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →