Dental Support Services at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

Nashville, TN · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 730 in Nashville, TN.

Program Analysis

At $25,189 per year, Dental Support Services graduates from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

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 34% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #336 of 513 Dental Support Services programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $25,189 to $36,738 over five years — a 46% 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $25,189/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$399K
9.9% 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)
$36,738
46% 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville's Dental Support Services program score?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Dental Support Services. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Dental Support Services from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville?
Lower starting pay at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
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 sensitive is Dental Support Services to AI disruption?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 34% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
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 →