Dental Assisting at American Career College-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 2,066 students in Los Angeles, CA.

Program Analysis

American Career College-Los Angeles's Dental Assisting graduates start at $24,783/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,444 in median debt clears fast against $24,783 in annual earnings.

At #324 out of 513 programs, American Career College-Los Angeles's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $24,783 to $28,661 over five years (16% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $24,783/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$293K
3.7% 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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$8,444
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,661
16% 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 American Career College-Los Angeles

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 American Career College-Los Angeles's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from American Career College-Los Angeles?
Starting salary is one data point. If American Career College-Los Angeles's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at American Career College-Los Angeles?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Assisting occupations, such as Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) and Dental Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. American Career College-Los Angeles 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 →