Dental Support Services 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 Support Services — 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 Support Services 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 Support Services 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 Support Services 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 Support Services 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 →

About Dental Support Services Careers

Your career will likely begin chairside as a dental assistant. You’ll be the dentist’s right hand, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, passing tools during procedures, and operating the suction hose. You'll also be a key patient contact, taking X-rays and making people feel at ease. Many professionals use this experience as a launchpad, returning to school to become a dental hygienist.

Read the full Dental Support Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Support Services Overview

Dental Support Services 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 Support Services at Dorsey College-Woodhaven?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Support Services. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Is Dorsey College-Woodhaven a good choice for Dental Support Services 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 Support Services?
Dental Support Services connects to 4 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Dental Support Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Dental Support Services have roughly 99,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →