Dental Assisting at Fortis College

Mobile, AL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 252 students in Mobile, AL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,821/yr fall 37% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $11,316 in median debt against $22,821 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #393 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Fortis College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $27,300 are relatively flat compared to the $22,821 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $22,821/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$282K
4.6% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$11,316
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,300
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

What can you do with a Dental Assisting credential from Fortis College? 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

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 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Assisting at Fortis College?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Fortis College a good choice for Dental Assisting despite lower starting pay?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
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.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Fortis College graduates specifically, local market conditions in AL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →