Dental Assisting at North-West College-Glendale

Glendale, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 100 students in Glendale, CA.

Program Analysis

North-West College-Glendale's Dental Assisting graduates start at $21,748/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 40%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Some AI exposure exists in Dental Assisting's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $21,748 in annual earnings.

Ranked #426 of 513 Dental Assisting programs, North-West College-Glendale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $21,748 to $27,533 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $21,748/yr (-40% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$288K
6.1% 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
$9,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,533
27% 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

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at North-West College-Glendale

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does North-West College-Glendale's Dental Assisting program score?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Assisting. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from North-West College-Glendale?
Starting salary is one data point. If North-West College-Glendale's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of North-West College-Glendale?
If North-West College-Glendale's tuition gives you pause, consider that 4 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Dental Assisting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from North-West College-Glendale find jobs?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. North-West College-Glendale graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →