Dental Support Services at First Institute of Travel Inc.

Crystal Lake, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 274 students in Crystal Lake, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,773 place First Institute of Travel Inc. below the $36,429 national median for Dental Support Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 23% 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.

With first-year pay of $26,773 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #314 ranking among 513 Dental Support Services programs places First Institute of Travel Inc. in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 30% earnings increase from $26,773 to $34,726 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $26,773/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$365K
6.7% 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
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,726
30% 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 First Institute of Travel Inc.

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does First Institute of Travel Inc.'s Dental Support Services program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Dental Support Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is First Institute of Travel Inc. a good choice for Dental Support Services despite lower starting pay?
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.
Can I learn Dental Support Services through an apprenticeship instead?
Dental Support Services connects to 4 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Dental Support Services workers?
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 →