by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 753 U.S. colleges awarded 25,412 degrees and certificates in Dental Support Services. Certificates are the most popular award, at 41% of graduates. College Factual ranks 635 schools in its 2027 Best Dental Support Services Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $28,290 one year after completing, rising to $38,528 after four years.
With the increasing public knowledge of important oral hygiene, Dental Support Services majors are becoming part of a fast growing occupation.
Students majoring in Dental Support Services learn how to diagnose and treat oral diseases and abnormalities while providing services that help prevent any oral issues. You will take classes in chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, psychology, and other dental related courses to gain the skills to properly conduct oral examines, cleanings, and aid in surgeries or other procedures. This degree prepares students for a career as a dental hygienist or to continue their education to become a dentist.
Along with the option to major in Dental Assisting, students have the option to specialize in Dental Hygiene, Dental Laboratory Technology, and Dental Services and Allied Professions.
A degree in Dental Support Services covers Dental Support Services And Allied Professions.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., dental support services is a popular field of study, with 25,412 degrees awarded annually. 753 colleges award dental support services degrees, an average of 34 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 429.
By level, the 25,412 awards include 10,542 certificates, 7,628 associate degrees, 2,480 bachelor’s degrees and 4,272 master’s degrees.
Women earned 91% of dental support services degrees and certificates in the latest year (23,234 of 25,412). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (8,947) and Hispanic or Latino (8,091), and international students earned 152.
College Factual ranks 635 schools in its 2027 Best Dental Support Services Schools ranking, including 277 for associate degrees, 82 for bachelor’s degrees and 4 for master’s degrees. It also ranks dental support services schools within 50 states. In all, 753 colleges offer dental support services programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Dental Support Services Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common dental support services credential is the certificate: 10,542 of the 25,412 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to dental support services call most for Active Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Medicine and Dentistry, English Language and Customer and Personal Service, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension and Near Vision.
Dental Support Services professionals are responsible for checking the condition of teeth and gums to help prevent infections or other abnormalities; this means professionals should be detail oriented and conduct thorough examinations. You should be organized and ensure all medical records are in proper order and kept up to date. Students who are successful in this career also have strong interpersonal skills as they are working directly with patients and must keep them comfortable when performing procedures.
Students who pursue a degree in Dental Support Services should prepare for a full time job in a dental office. You will work with multiple patients during the day and conduct teeth and gum examinations to ensure your patients' oral health.
Students who wish to become dental hygienists or dental lab technicians must only obtain an associate's degree, although bachelor's and master's degrees are available. Those who want to pursue a career as a dentist must attend dentist school and obtain an advanced degree.
In order to practice any type of dental service, you must be licensed by the state. The requirements vary state by state, so it is important to check the laws in the state you will be practicing in.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a dental support services degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 10,542 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 7,628 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,480 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,272 |
Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to dental support services, at 36.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 36.5% |
| Master’s degree | 16.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 11.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 9.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 7.3% |
| First professional degree | 5.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 4.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.7% |
| Some college courses | 1.3% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Dental Support Services, with an average median salary of $49,720; the strongest outlook belongs to Dental Laboratory Technicians, at 11.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Dental Nurse, Hospital Aides and Assistants Teacher, Hearing Therapy Teacher and Speech Pathology Teacher.
Graduates with a degree in Dental Support Services pursue careers in a variety of dental related services. Some graduates go on to dental school to become dentists and work at or run their own practice, while other students become dental hygienists or lab technicians.
The occupation related to dental support services with the most projected jobs is Dental Hygienists, at 3,299,832.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 3,299,832 | -4.9% |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
| Dental Assistants | 561,559 | 5.0% |
| Dental Laboratory Technicians | 124,616 | 11.2% |
Dental Support Services graduates earn a median $28,290 one year after completing their program, $38,528 after four years and $33,997 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $28,290 |
| 4 years | $38,528 |
| 5 years | $33,997 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to dental support services, with a median salary of $101,356.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | $101,356 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,663 |
| Dental Assistants | $25,445 |
| Dental Laboratory Technicians | $25,417 |
Dental Support Services includes 4 concentrations that together award 25,412 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Dental Assisting/Assistant (16,103), Dental Hygiene/Hygienist (8,920) and Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician (254). It has 30 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 1,012,048 degrees a year; the largest are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (318,053), Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (110,132) and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (98,474). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Dental Assisting/Assistant | 16,103 |
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist | 8,920 |
| Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician | 254 |
| Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other | 135 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
