Dental Assisting at Lamar State College-Orange

Orange, TX · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 1,426 students in Orange, TX.

Program Analysis

Lamar State College-Orange's Dental Assisting graduates start at $22,866/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 37%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 84.5x 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.

Ranked #223 out of 513 programs, Lamar State College-Orange's Dental Assisting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
53
Score
53
High End
Earnings $22,866/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$239K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
84.5x
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 (In-State)
$2,832
Out-of-state: $13,824

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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Lamar State College-Orange? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lamar State College-Orange

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Lamar State College-Orange?
At 53/100, Lamar State College-Orange's Dental Assisting program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Lamar State College-Orange?
Lower starting pay at Lamar State College-Orange may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Lamar State College-Orange?
Beyond Lamar State College-Orange'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.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →