Dental Assisting at Fortis College-Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 371 in Salt Lake City, UT.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,255/yr fall 31% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 23.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% 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 $25,255/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #435 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Fortis College-Salt Lake City in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $25,255 to $30,259 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $25,255/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$312K
4.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
23.8x
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
$13,112
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,259
20% 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 Fortis College-Salt Lake City

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
Lower starting pay at Fortis College-Salt Lake City may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
If Fortis College-Salt Lake City'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.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
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 →