Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates earn $68,061 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 17.3%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Health Specialties Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
About Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $68,061 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 814 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 25,040 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$60,170
Median Earnings · 4yr
$68,061
Colleges Offering
814
Graduates / Year
25,040
Avg Net Price / yr
$22,602
How Much Do Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Graduates Earn?
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates earn $68,061 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,213 and $83,379.
$60,170
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$68,061
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$68,205
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.
$51,21325th pct.
$68,061Median
$83,37975th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,061 and an estimated $90,408 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.
Based on outcomes from 105 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 25,040 students who complete Dental Support Services and Allied Professions programs each year, the majority (54%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
54%33%
Certificate54%
Associate's33%
Bachelor's11%
What Can You Do With a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Degree?
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingMonitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Record and review patient medical histories.
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessInstructing
Day-to-day responsibilities
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
Record treatment information in patient records.
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
Top Colleges for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Dental Support Services and Allied Professions students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Health Programs
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions is one of 31 specializations within Health. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Dental Support Services and Allied Professions a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $68,061 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 95,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 814 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMost roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates earn?
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates earn a national median of $68,061 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,213 and $83,379. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree?
One year after graduation, Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree holders earn a median of $60,170. That climbs to $68,061 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree?
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions program take?
Most Dental Support Services and Allied Professions certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Dental Support Services and Allied Professions?
814 colleges and universities in the United States offer Dental Support Services and Allied Professions programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $68,061 and an average net price of roughly $22,602/yr, a Dental Support Services and Allied Professions degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Dental Support Services and Allied Professions and Health?
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Dental Support Services and Allied Professions-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates?
Employers hiring Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates?
The job outlook for Dental Support Services and Allied Professions graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +10.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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