Dental Assisting at Dorsey College-Dearborn

Detroit, MI · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 450 students in Detroit, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $18,208 place Dorsey College-Dearborn below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 10.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

The $13,000 debt-to-$18,208 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #509 out of 513 programs, Dorsey College-Dearborn's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $18,208 to $22,817 shows 25% 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.

33 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
29
Low End
33
Score
33
High End
Earnings $18,208/yr (-50% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$238K
5.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
10.4x
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
$22,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,817
25% 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

Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dorsey College-Dearborn

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Dorsey College-Dearborn?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Dorsey College-Dearborn a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Dorsey College-Dearborn's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Dorsey College-Dearborn?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Dorsey College-Dearborn's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
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 →