Dental Assisting at Dorsey College-Woodhaven

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

a compact campus enrolling 212 students in Woodhaven, MI.

Program Analysis

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

At 7.3x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

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 #512 out of 513 programs, Dorsey College-Woodhaven'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.

32 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
28
Low End
32
Score
32
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
7.4x
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
$32,160
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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Dorsey College-Woodhaven? 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 Dorsey College-Woodhaven

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 32/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Dorsey College-Woodhaven?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Is Dorsey College-Woodhaven a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Assisting career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Dorsey College-Woodhaven.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
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 →