Dental Assisting at Arizona College-Glendale

Glendale, AZ · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 306 students in Glendale, AZ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,827 place Arizona College-Glendale below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 18.3x 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 29% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $23,827 far exceeding the $9,680 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #495 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Arizona College-Glendale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $23,827 to $32,758 over five years — a 37% 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.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
38
Score
39
High End
Earnings $23,827/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$350K
8.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.6x
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
$18,835
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,680
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,758
37% 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 Arizona College-Glendale? 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 Arizona College-Glendale

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 Arizona College-Glendale?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Arizona College-Glendale a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Arizona College-Glendale 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 Arizona College-Glendale?
Beyond Arizona College-Glendale'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 job market like for Dental Assisting from Arizona College-Glendale?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Arizona College-Glendale graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →