Dental Assisting at Temple College

Temple, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 3,168 students in Temple, TX.

Program Analysis

Temple College Dental Assisting graduates command $58,710/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 61% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 113.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Temple College ranks #27 among 513 Dental Assisting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $58,710 to $66,874 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
73
Score
73
High End
Earnings $58,710/yr (61% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$683K
3.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
113.8x
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)
$6,000
Out-of-state: $13,392
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,874
14% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Temple College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Temple 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 Temple College's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Dental Assisting nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What makes Temple College's Dental Assisting program stand out?
Ranked #27 of 513 programs nationally, Temple College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Temple College?
If Temple 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 Temple College find jobs?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Temple 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 →