Dental Assisting at Monroe Community College

Rochester, NY · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

serving 7,737 students in Rochester, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,812 place Monroe Community College below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 55.0x 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 #214 out of 513 programs, Monroe Community College'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.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
54
Score
54
High End
Earnings $30,812/yr (-15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$322K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
55.0x
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)
$5,856
Out-of-state: $10,756

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Dental Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Monroe Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Monroe Community College's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Monroe Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Monroe Community College?
Beyond Monroe Community College'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.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Monroe Community 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 →