Dental Assisting at Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, MA · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 2,554 in Gardner, MA.

Program Analysis

Mount Wachusett Community College Dental Assisting graduates command $68,670/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 89% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 59.9x 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 #62 out of 513 programs, Mount Wachusett Community College's Dental Assisting program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $68,670/yr (89% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$69K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
59.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,000
Out-of-state: $21,840
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,911
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mount Wachusett Community College

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 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Mount Wachusett Community College?
This program scores 68/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
Is Mount Wachusett Community College one of the best schools for Dental Assisting?
The #62 ranking out of 513 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Mount Wachusett Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Mount Wachusett Community College?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Mount Wachusett Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in MA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →