Dental Support Services at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 1,277 in Fennimore, WI.

Program Analysis

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Dental Support Services graduates start at $25,791/yr, trailing the $36,429 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 69.3x 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 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Support Services graduates.

Ranked #235 out of 513 programs, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Dental Support Services offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,791 to $32,220 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $25,791/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$336K
5.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
70.0x
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)
$4,796
Out-of-state: $6,989
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,220
25% 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 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Support Services at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Dental Support Services field.
Why are Dental Support Services earnings lower at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Lower starting pay at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College 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.
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 →