Dental Assisting at Ultimate Medical Academy

Clearwater, FL · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 7,436 in Clearwater, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,029 place Ultimate Medical Academy below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 37% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $20,029 far exceeding the $8,998 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #459 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Ultimate Medical Academy in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,029-to-$30,192 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $20,029/yr (-45% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$332K
10.8% 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
$8,998
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,192
51% 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

Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ultimate Medical Academy

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ultimate Medical Academy's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 40/100 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 Ultimate Medical Academy?
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?
Beyond Ultimate Medical Academy's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Dental Assisting careers — including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the AI uncertainty for Dental Assisting careers?
The 37% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Dental Assisting are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Ultimate Medical Academy find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Ultimate Medical Academy graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →