Dental Support Services at Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, WI · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 4,497 in Pewaukee, WI.

Program Analysis

At $30,725 per year, Dental Support Services graduates from Waukesha County Technical College earn below the $36,429 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 74.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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.

A #196 ranking among 513 Dental Support Services programs places Waukesha County Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $30,725 to $34,630 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.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $30,725/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$353K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
74.7x
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)
$4,720
Out-of-state: $6,996
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,630
13% 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 Waukesha County Technical 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 Waukesha County Technical College's Dental Support Services program score?
At 57/100, Waukesha County Technical College's Dental Support Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Can you still earn well with Dental Support Services from Waukesha County Technical College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Dental Support Services through an apprenticeship instead?
Dental Support Services connects to 4 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Dental Support Services workers?
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 →