Dental Support Services at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 4,127 students in Eau Claire, WI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,841 put Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Support Services program 56% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 62.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Support Services graduates.

Ranked #89 out of 513 programs, Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Support Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Dental Support Services connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $56,841/yr (56% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$595K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
62.9x
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 (In-State)
$9,448
Out-of-state: $13,834
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$52,505
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 Chippewa Valley Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Support Services program score?
At 66/100, Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Support Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What makes Chippewa Valley Technical College's Dental Support Services program stand out?
Ranked #89 of 513 programs nationally, Chippewa Valley Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Dental Support Services through an apprenticeship instead?
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.
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 →