Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Milan Institute-Amarillo

Milan Institute-Amarillo's dental support program occupies an interesting middle ground in the Texas market. At $24,473 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the typical Texas dental support program ($21,721) and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—outperforming roughly three-fifths of comparable programs in the state. However, they fall short of both the national median ($25,255) and the state's top performers, who consistently place graduates above $27,000. The real concern here is the debt load: at $8,104, this program sits in the 90th percentile nationally, meaning only 10% of similar programs nationwide saddle graduates with more debt.

The numbers tell a story of modest stability rather than growth. Earnings essentially flatline between year one and year four, suggesting graduates quickly reach their ceiling in dental assistant or related roles. With nearly 80% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a predominantly lower-income population, and the manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means most graduates can handle their monthly payments. The debt gets paid off, but there's little room for advancement.

For families weighing this certificate, the calculation is straightforward: you're looking at roughly eight months of gross earnings to clear the debt, which is reasonable, but you're also accepting limited earning potential and no wage growth. If your child is committed to dental support work in the Amarillo area and needs credentials quickly, this works. For those willing to relocate or invest more time, the top Texas programs offer 20% higher earnings for similar debt.