Dental Assisting at Lakeland Community College
a compact campus enrolling 3,143 students in Kirtland, OH.
Program Analysis
Graduates of Lakeland Community College's Dental Assisting program earn $48,254/yr in their first year — 32% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
With a 72.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $9,950 in median debt against $48,254 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Lakeland Community College ranks #81 among 513 Dental Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $48,254 to $55,037 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Dental Assisting Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Lakeland Community College and 512 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Lakeland Community College
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