Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Choffin Career and Technical Center

This small dental assisting program posts first-year earnings of $27,733—beating both the Ohio median ($24,411) and the national benchmark ($25,255). Among Ohio's 37 dental support programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates out-earn most in-state competitors right after completion. The $9,500 in debt is modest and typical for this credential, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34. However, the limited sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data.

The troubling signal here is what happens after year one: earnings drop to $23,075 by year four, a 17% decline that reverses the initial advantage. This could reflect graduates transitioning from full-time to part-time work, switching to lower-paying dental roles, or leaving the field entirely. The 91% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves students from economically vulnerable backgrounds, for whom income volatility carries higher stakes.

For anxious parents, the low debt makes this a relatively safe bet if your child needs quick job training, but the earnings trajectory demands investigation. Before enrolling, ask the school to explain the four-year drop-off and connect you with recent alumni. Your child might launch ahead of peers but needs a plan to maintain that momentum—whether through specialty certifications, consistent full-time employment, or advancing to higher-paying dental roles.