Dental Support Services at Temple College

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

a compact campus enrolling 3,168 students in Temple, TX.

Program Analysis

Temple College Dental Support Services graduates command $58,710/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 61% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 113.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

Temple College ranks #27 among 513 Dental Support Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $58,710 to $66,874 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.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
73
Score
73
High End
Earnings $58,710/yr (61% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$683K
3.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
113.8x
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)
$6,000
Out-of-state: $13,392
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,874
14% 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 Temple College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Temple College's Dental Support Services program score?
This program scores 73/100 — 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.
What makes Temple College's Dental Support Services program stand out?
Ranked #27 of 513 programs nationally, Temple College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Dental Support Services through an apprenticeship instead?
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 →