Dental Support Services at Arizona College-Glendale

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

a smaller institution with 306 students in Glendale, AZ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,827 place Arizona College-Glendale 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 18.3x 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 29% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $23,827 far exceeding the $9,680 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #495 of 513 Dental Support Services programs, Arizona College-Glendale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $23,827 to $32,758 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
38
Score
39
High End
Earnings $23,827/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$350K
8.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.6x
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
$18,835
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,680
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,758
37% 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 Arizona College-Glendale

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Support Services at Arizona College-Glendale?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Dental Support Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Arizona College-Glendale a good choice for Dental Support Services despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Arizona College-Glendale may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Support Services?
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 →