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Dental Assisting at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 3,667 students in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,134/yr fall 47% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

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 27% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $10,835 represents roughly 7 months of the $19,134 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #461 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $19,134 to $25,794 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $19,134/yr (-47% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$274K
7.8% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$10,835
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,794
35% 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

View all 513 schools offering Dental Assisting →

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Chabot College ($85,175) Shoreline Community College ($78,372) Community College of Denver ($76,712) Cabrillo College ($74,741) Concorde Career College-San Bernardino ($73,660) Concorde Career College-Garden Grove ($72,160) Pima Medical Institute-Tucson ($71,216) Pima Medical Institute-Seattle ($71,216)

Other Majors at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Ground Transportation ($46,909) Clinical Laboratory Science ($46,592) Practical Nursing ($45,301) Allied Health Professions ($41,049) HVAC Technology ($38,043) Allied Health Professions ($37,084) Heavy Equipment Technology ($35,968) Vehicle Repair Technology ($35,147)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Dental Assisting degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga's Dental Assisting program score?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga?
Lower starting pay at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga 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 Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga?
Beyond Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga'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?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga graduates specifically, local market conditions in TN may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →