Dental Assisting at Oakland Community College

Auburn Hills, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

enrolling 11,772 students in Auburn Hills, MI.

Program Analysis

Oakland Community College Dental Assisting graduates command $46,032/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 26% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 79.7x 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 #74 out of 513 programs, Oakland 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.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $46,032/yr (26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$46K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
79.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$6,040
Out-of-state: $11,120
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,646
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 Oakland 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

How does Oakland Community College's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
Is Oakland Community College one of the best schools for Dental Assisting?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Oakland Community College's #74 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
If Oakland 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.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Oakland Community College?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Oakland 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 →