Dental Support Services at Northern Virginia Community College
with 31,737 students enrolled in Annandale, VA.
Program Analysis
At $70,727 per year, Dental Support Services graduates from Northern Virginia Community College significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 72.5x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $20,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #38 of 513 programs, Northern Virginia Community College's Dental Support Services program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $81,348 are relatively flat compared to the $70,727 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 Northern Virginia Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.