Est. Earnings (1yr)
$60,163
Est. from MO median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$17,080
Est. from national median (104 programs)

Analysis

Missouri dental support programs show wide variation in outcomes, with first-year earnings ranging from $36,855 to $64,381 across the state. Based on comparable programs in Missouri, MCC-Kansas City's dental support associate degree suggests earnings around $60,163—near the top of that range and above the national median of $55,016. The estimated debt of $17,080 would be notably lower than both the state median ($25,374) and national median ($19,309) for these programs, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28—meaning roughly three months of gross income would cover the total debt.

The modest debt estimate is particularly relevant for a program serving a substantial portion of students on Pell grants (30%). In dental support fields, credentials and hands-on training matter more than the institution's prestige, so a community college pathway with lower debt can compete effectively with pricier alternatives. The earnings figures align with what other Missouri community colleges report for similar programs, suggesting this estimate has real-world grounding.

However, remember these figures are derived from peer programs, not this specific school's graduates. If you're considering this program, contact the financial aid office directly to understand typical costs and ask career services for placement data specific to their dental support graduates. The estimated numbers suggest solid value, but confirming actual outcomes would strengthen your confidence in this investment.

Where Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas CityKansas City$3,630$60,163*$17,080*
Concorde Career College-Kansas CityKansas City$64,381*$58,922$26,548*0.41
Saint Louis Community CollegeBridgeton$3,660$60,906*$51,249*
Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin$8,400$59,420*$57,573$25,374*0.43
Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$4,184$36,855*$41,542$11,000*0.30
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 Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City, 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 MO. Actual outcomes may vary.