Dental Assisting at Orange County Community College

Middletown, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 3,822 in Middletown, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $64,661 put Orange County Community College's Dental Assisting program 77% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 53.0x 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.

Orange County Community College ranks #77 among 513 Dental Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $64,661/yr (77% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$65K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
53.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,764
Out-of-state: $24,092
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,353
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 Orange County 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 Orange County Community College's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Assisting graduates.
What makes Orange County Community College's Dental Assisting program stand out?
Among 513 Dental Assisting programs, Orange County Community College's #77 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Orange County Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Orange County Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Orange County Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in NY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →