Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

Chattanooga College's dental support program produces concerning outcomes that place it near the bottom of available options in Tennessee. First-year earnings of $29,984 rank in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile statewide—significantly below Tennessee's median of $42,210 for this field. To put that gap in perspective, graduates from Remington College-Nashville earn 75% more ($52,528), and even nearby Chattanooga State Community College delivers substantially better results at $40,227.

The trajectory worsens over time, with earnings dropping 10% by year four to just $26,919. While the debt load of $18,678 appears manageable compared to national averages, it still represents seven months of first-year income for graduates entering a field where they should realistically expect to earn twice this amount. The program serves a predominantly low-income population (90% receive Pell grants), making these weak outcomes particularly troubling for students with limited financial cushion.

Important caveat: the small sample size means these figures might not fully represent typical outcomes. However, the consistent pattern—bottom-tier earnings both initially and four years out, combined with negative growth—suggests systemic underperformance. If your child is set on dental support work in Tennessee, community college programs like Chattanooga State offer similar convenience at significantly better value. This particular program appears to leave graduates struggling in a field that typically provides stable middle-class earnings.