Dental Assisting at Fortis Institute-Scranton

Scranton, PA · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 205 students in Scranton, PA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,937/yr, roughly in line with the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 13.6x 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,166 represents roughly 9 months of the $31,937 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #342 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, Fortis Institute-Scranton falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $38,300 are relatively flat compared to the $31,937 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $31,937/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$395K
4.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.7x
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
$28,888
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,166
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,300
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

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 Institute-Scranton

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Fortis Institute-Scranton?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Fortis Institute-Scranton?
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 Institute-Scranton.
Is there demand for Dental Assisting workers?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →