Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood

Ross Medical Education Center-Kentwood prepares dental assistants for immediate employment, with graduates earning around $25,000 annually—just above Michigan's median for these programs and placing this campus in the 60th percentile statewide. The modest $9,500 in debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year income. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves working-class students seeking quick entry into healthcare support roles.

The challenge is stagnant earning potential: graduates make essentially the same $25,000 four years into their careers as they did starting out. Compare this to Washtenaw Community College's dental program, where graduates earn $37,000—nearly 50% more for similar work. That $12,000 annual difference compounds significantly over a career. For context, full-time work at $25,000 translates to roughly $12 per hour, which leaves little margin above Michigan's cost of living.

This certificate works for students who need immediate income and minimal time in school, particularly if they can keep living costs low while working. But families should understand they're trading long-term earning potential for speed to employment. If your student can manage a longer program at a community college like Washtenaw or Northwestern Michigan, the investment pays off quickly through substantially higher wages doing the same job.