Dental Assisting at Carrington College-Phoenix North

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

a smaller institution with 1,087 students in Phoenix, AZ.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,485/yr fall 27% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

At $8,789 in median debt against $26,485 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #307 out of 513 programs, Carrington College-Phoenix North's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,485 to $31,832 shows 20% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $26,485/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$329K
4.7% 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
$8,789
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,832
20% 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 Carrington College-Phoenix North

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Carrington College-Phoenix North?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Carrington College-Phoenix North?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Carrington College-Phoenix North?
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.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Carrington College-Phoenix North?
The career paths mapped to Dental Assisting have roughly 99,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →