Dental Support Services at Howard College

Big Spring, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 1,588 in Big Spring, TX.

Program Analysis

At $54,428 per year, Dental Support Services graduates from Howard College significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 102.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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 #36 of 513 programs, this Dental Support Services program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Support Services careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $54,428/yr (49% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$569K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
102.9x
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)
$5,532
Out-of-state: $12,152

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 Howard College

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 Howard College's Dental Support Services program score?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Dental Support Services nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
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.
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 →