Dental Assisting at Fortis College-Norfolk

Starting salaries of $22,928/yr fall 37% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 17.6x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

At $10,816 in median debt against $22,928 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #490 out of 513 programs, Fortis College-Norfolk's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $22,928 to $24,604 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.