Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at James A. Rhodes State College

James A. Rhodes State College graduates start strong in dental support roles—earning $54,584 in their first year, which places them above the state median and roughly on par with national averages. Among Ohio's 17 programs in this field, this ranks in the 60th percentile, and the $18,010 debt load is manageable at just one-third of first-year earnings. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data.

The concerning pattern here is what happens over time: earnings drop to $47,366 by year four, a 13% decline. This backward trajectory is unusual in healthcare fields and suggests graduates may be starting in higher-paid positions but moving into lower-paying roles, possibly due to burnout or limited advancement opportunities in this specific market. For context, top Ohio programs like Fortis College-Centerville see graduates earning $63,653, so there's room for better outcomes elsewhere in the state.

The initial debt-to-earnings math works in your favor, but the earnings decline should factor into your decision. If your child is committed to dental support work specifically in the Lima area, Rhodes offers a relatively affordable entry point. However, given the small sample and downward earnings trend, consider whether programs in larger Ohio cities might offer better long-term stability and advancement opportunities.