Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Dorsey College

Dorsey College's dental support program ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for graduate earnings, with first-year pay of just $18,208—nearly $7,000 below Michigan's state median for dental assistants and less than half what grads earn at Washtenaw Community College down the road. Even four years out, earnings reach only $21,779, which is barely above minimum wage for full-time work. While the $13,000 debt load might seem modest compared to bachelor's degrees, it represents nearly nine months of income for these graduates.

The numbers tell a particularly concerning story when you consider alternatives within Michigan. The state's median for this credential is $23,566, meaning three-quarters of Michigan programs deliver better outcomes. Community colleges like Washtenaw and Northwestern Michigan consistently place graduates in positions earning $34,000-37,000 right out of the gate—often with similar or lower debt burdens.

For a program serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (61%), these earnings create real financial hardship. At under $22,000 even after four years of work experience, graduates will struggle to achieve financial independence. If your child is interested in dental assisting, look hard at Michigan's community college options first. They cost less, deliver significantly better placement outcomes, and provide the same credential employers recognize.