Dental Support Services at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

Chattanooga, TN · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 311 students in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

At $29,984 per year, Dental Support Services graduates from Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 14.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Support Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $17,669 against $29,984/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #387 ranking among 513 Dental Support Services programs places Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Support Services careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $29,984/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$30K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple
14.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition
$21,380
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,669
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,126
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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 Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Support Services at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
At 42/100, 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 Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
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?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Support Services occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Dental Support Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Dental Support Services have roughly 99,500 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →