Dental Support Services 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 Support Services. 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 Support Services 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 Support Services 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 Support Services 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 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 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 Support Services at Fortis College-Salt Lake City?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Support Services. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Dental Support Services 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 Support Services?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Support Services career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
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 →