Dental Assisting at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis

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

with a smaller student body of 1,078 in Memphis, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,013 place Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 40% 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 #449 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,013-to-$30,130 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $19,013/yr (-48% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$334K
12.0% 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)
$30,130
58% 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis? 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis?
Lower starting pay at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis?
Beyond Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Dental Assisting careers — including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 40% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →