Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Concorde Career College-Aurora

Concorde Career College-Aurora's dental support program delivers starting salaries nearly $10,000 above the national median for this field, placing it in the 90th percentile nationally. With graduates earning $65,693 right out of the gate and debt under $26,000, the financial fundamentals are solid—you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning debt represents less than five months of annual income. The catch? Colorado offers limited competition in this field (only six programs statewide), and this one sits right at the state median. Community College of Denver graduates earn roughly $11,000 more annually, though that gap may reflect Denver's higher cost of living and different employer base.

The earnings trajectory is essentially flat, growing just 2% over four years to $67,065. For a career that hits earning potential immediately, this might actually be a feature rather than a bug—graduates enter a stable, well-compensated field without the extended training of dental hygienists or the income volatility of commission-based work. The high Pell grant rate (57%) suggests this program successfully serves students who need clear ROI, and the numbers support that value proposition.

The bottom line: This program gets students to good-paying dental office work quickly with manageable debt. If your child wants to enter healthcare without years of additional schooling, this makes financial sense. Just understand the income ceiling is relatively low—that $67,000 is likely close to the long-term earning potential unless they advance into office management or pursue additional credentials.