Dental Assisting at NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 4,632 students in Bentonville, AR.

Program Analysis

NorthWest Arkansas Community College's Dental Assisting graduates start at $28,819/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 101.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #175 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places NorthWest Arkansas Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
59
Score
59
High End
Earnings $28,819/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$302K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
101.1x
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)
$2,982
Out-of-state: $5,022

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 NorthWest Arkansas 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 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Assisting field.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
Lower starting pay at NorthWest Arkansas Community College 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 NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
If NorthWest Arkansas Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from NorthWest Arkansas Community College find jobs?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. NorthWest Arkansas 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 →