Dental Support Services at Centura College-Norfolk
with a smaller student body of 193 in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $24,569/yr fall 33% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Support Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 16.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 3% 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.
At $9,500 in median debt against $24,569 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #491 ranking among 513 Dental Support Services programs places Centura College-Norfolk in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The limited growth from $24,569 to $26,362 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Support Services careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Dental Support Services Overview
Dental Support Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Centura College-Norfolk
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