Dental Assisting at Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

enrolling 7,731 students in West Columbia, SC.

Program Analysis

Midlands Technical College Dental Assisting graduates command $56,771/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 56% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 62.0x 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.

At #86 of 513 nationally, this is a top-5% Dental Assisting program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $56,771/yr (56% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$594K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
62.0x
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)
$9,576
Out-of-state: $27,624

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

See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Midlands Technical College and 512 other schools.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Midlands Technical College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Midlands Technical College's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
What makes Midlands Technical College's Dental Assisting program stand out?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Midlands Technical College's #86 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Midlands Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Midlands Technical College find jobs?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Midlands Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →