Dental Support Services at Bergen Community College

Paramus, NJ · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

serving 10,597 students in Paramus, NJ.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $62,663 put Bergen Community College's Dental Support Services program 72% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 68.9x 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.

With first-year pay of $62,663 far exceeding the $17,183 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #55 out of 513 programs, Bergen Community College's Dental Support Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $62,663 to $63,760 over five years (2% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $62,663/yr (72% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$656K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
68.9x
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)
$9,514
Out-of-state: $18,010
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,183
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,760
2% 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 Bergen Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Dental Support Services at Bergen Community College?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Dental Support Services graduates.
What's the typical debt for Dental Support Services graduates from Bergen Community College?
At $17,183 in median debt, Dental Support Services graduates from Bergen Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Bergen Community College rank so high for Dental Support Services?
Among 513 Dental Support Services programs, Bergen Community College's #55 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Support Services?
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.
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 →