Dental Assisting at Dorsey College

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

a smaller institution with 547 students in Madison Heights, MI.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,208/yr fall 50% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 7.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $13,000 against $18,208/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #510 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Dorsey College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $18,208 to $22,817 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

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

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 Dorsey College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dorsey College's Dental Assisting program score?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Dorsey College a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Dorsey College'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 Dorsey College?
If Dorsey College'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.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Dorsey College find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Dorsey College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →