Dental Support Services at Fortis College-Smyrna

Smyrna, GA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 488 students in Smyrna, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,564 place Fortis College-Smyrna below the $36,429 national median for Dental Support Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 18.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Support Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Support Services's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #476 of 513 Dental Support Services programs, Fortis College-Smyrna falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $27,731 are relatively flat compared to the $24,564 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

There are 4 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Dental Support Services, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) (median $47,300/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

39 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
39
Score
39
High End
Earnings $24,564/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$283K
3.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.9x
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
$14,929
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,731
13% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Support Services 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 →

About Dental Support Services Careers

Your career will likely begin chairside as a dental assistant. You’ll be the dentist’s right hand, preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, passing tools during procedures, and operating the suction hose. You'll also be a key patient contact, taking X-rays and making people feel at ease. Many professionals use this experience as a launchpad, returning to school to become a dental hygienist.

Read the full Dental Support Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Support Services Overview

Dental Support Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Smyrna

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fortis College-Smyrna's Dental Support Services program score?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Support Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Dental Support Services earnings lower at Fortis College-Smyrna?
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 Support Services graduates?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Support Services career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Dental Support Services graduates?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Support Services offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →