Dental Support Services at Lake Superior College
a compact campus enrolling 2,456 students in Duluth, MN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $50,993 put Lake Superior College's Dental Support Services program 40% above the national median of $36,429 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 46.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Dental Support Services programs nationally.
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 0% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $50,993 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #132 of 513 Dental Support Services programs, Lake Superior College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $52,053 are relatively flat compared to the $50,993 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
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.
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 Lake Superior College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.