Dental Assisting at Fortis College-Smyrna

Smyrna, GA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 488 students in Smyrna, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,564 place Fortis College-Smyrna below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 18.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Assisting programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #476 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Fortis College-Smyrna falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $27,731 are relatively flat compared to the $24,564 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Assisting, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

39 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
39
Score
39
High End
Earnings $24,564/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$283K
3.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.9x
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
$14,929
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,731
13% 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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Fortis College-Smyrna? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Smyrna

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis College-Smyrna's Dental Assisting program score?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Fortis College-Smyrna?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting graduates?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Assisting career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Fortis College-Smyrna.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Fortis College-Smyrna find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Fortis College-Smyrna graduates specifically, local market conditions in GA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →