Dental Assisting at Concorde Career College-Garden Grove

Garden Grove, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

With 96% of applicants admitted, Concorde Career College-Garden Grove prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 202 in Garden Grove, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,994/yr fall 37% 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 38% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

At $9,500 in median debt against $22,994 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #380 out of 513 programs, Concorde Career College-Garden Grove's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,994 to $35,249 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $22,994/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$390K
11.3% 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
$9,500
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,249
53% 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 Concorde Career College-Garden Grove

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Concorde Career College-Garden Grove?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Concorde Career College-Garden Grove a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Concorde Career College-Garden Grove'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 Concorde Career College-Garden Grove?
If Concorde Career College-Garden Grove's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
The 38% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Dental Assisting are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Concorde Career College-Garden Grove?
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 →