Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,481
Est. from VA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

Similar dental support programs in Virginia typically produce first-year earnings around $58,000, which would put this field among the stronger two-year healthcare options. The estimated $17,000 debt load suggests a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly three months of gross income. That's solid positioning compared to many associate degree programs.

However, the wide spread among Virginia's dental programs is worth noting. Northern Virginia Community College's graduates earn substantially more ($71,000), likely reflecting both program quality differences and the higher cost of living—and wages—in Northern Virginia. Reynolds serves the Richmond metro area, where dental office wages fall somewhere in the middle. The real outlier is ECPI University at $28,500, demonstrating how program selection matters tremendously in this field.

For anxious parents, the practical question is whether your child can secure employment in a dental practice that pays competitive wages. The estimated figures here suggest this program could work financially if it delivers solid clinical training and job placement support. With 30% of students receiving Pell grants, Reynolds serves a price-conscious population—and the relatively low debt burden reflects that affordability mission. Before committing, verify the program's actual job placement rates and talk to recent graduates about their starting salaries in the Richmond market.

Where J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeRichmond$5,136$58,481*—$17,080*—
Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale$5,703$70,727*$75,837$20,894*0.30
Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke$5,256$61,030*$58,443$11,500*0.19
Wytheville Community CollegeWytheville$4,863$55,931*$53,071—*—
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach$18,484$28,544*$30,744$16,000*0.56
National Median—$55,016*—$19,309*0.35
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates

Dental Hygienists

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

$94,260/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

$47,300/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.