Dental Assisting at Western Technical College
with a smaller student body of 3,434 in La Crosse, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,322 track close to the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 90.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 19% gap from the optimistic case.
At #140 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Western Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $33,322 to $41,562 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Dental Assisting Career Guide
Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Technical College
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