Dental Assisting at Lake Area Technical College

First-year earnings of $36,631 track close to the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 61.4x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

At $5,500 in median debt against $36,631 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #173 out of 513 programs, Lake Area Technical College's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $36,631 to $40,772 over five years (11% 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.