Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Dorsey College-Woodhaven

At $18,208 one year after graduation, Dorsey College-Woodhaven's dental support program produces earnings that fall significantly short of both Michigan's median ($23,566) and the national benchmark ($25,255). This puts graduates in the bottom quartile of Michigan programs—concerning when community colleges like Washtenaw and Northwestern Michigan are producing graduates who earn nearly double within the same field and state.

The $13,000 debt load appears manageable on paper, but paired with sub-$20,000 starting salaries, it creates real financial strain. That 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are carrying debt equivalent to nearly nine months of gross income—before taxes, rent, or any other expenses. While earnings do improve to $21,779 by year four, that's still $3,800 below the state median for first-year graduates elsewhere. The 82% Pell grant rate signals the program serves students who likely can't afford to wait years for their investment to pay off.

For families considering dental assisting or similar allied health careers, this data suggests looking first at Michigan's community college options. When established programs in the same state and field are producing graduates with 50-75% higher starting earnings, the credential alone isn't determining outcomes—the institution matters significantly. Before committing, compare actual placement rates and employer relationships with programs like Washtenaw's, where the extra application effort could translate to an additional $19,000 in first-year earnings.