Dental Assisting at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

Dickson, TN · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 622 students in Dickson, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's Dental Assisting graduates start at $26,045/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 32% 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 #315 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $26,045 to $36,972 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $26,045/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
9.2% annual growth
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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,972
42% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Dental Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
Our model shows a 32% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Dental Assisting careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson 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 →