Dental Assisting at Lake Superior College

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

a compact campus enrolling 2,456 students in Duluth, MN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,993 put Lake Superior College's Dental Assisting program 40% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 46.1x 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.

With first-year pay of $50,993 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #132 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Lake Superior College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $52,053 are relatively flat compared to the $50,993 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $50,993/yr (40% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$533K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
46.1x
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
$11,572
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,053
2% 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

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 Lake Superior College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Lake Superior College?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
What's the typical debt for Dental Assisting graduates from Lake Superior College?
At $13,000 in median debt, Dental Assisting graduates from Lake Superior College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Lake Superior 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.
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. Lake Superior College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →