Dental Support Services at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 737 in Albuquerque, NM.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,369 place Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque below the $36,429 national median for Dental Support Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 23% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #378 of 513 Dental Support Services programs, Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $23,369 to $30,284 over five years — a 30% 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $23,369/yr (-36% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$318K
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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,284
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 Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

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 Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque?
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 Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque?
Lower starting pay at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque 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?
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?
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 →