Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger

Ross Medical Education Center-Erlanger sits right at Kentucky's median for dental support programs, but that's actually better than it sounds—this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it outperforms most Kentucky alternatives. The $23,957 starting salary lags the national median by about $1,300, but with debt of just $9,500 (a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio), graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of full-time work. The 15% earnings growth to $27,565 by year four is encouraging, bringing graduates closer to the national 75th percentile.

The real question is whether your child can access one of Kentucky's stronger performers—ATA College's graduates earn $29,000+ right out of the gate. However, with 73% of students here receiving Pell grants, Ross-Erlanger serves a population that may have fewer options. The low debt burden matters enormously for these students, making this a relatively safe entry point to dental assisting careers.

For a family prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earnings, this program delivers exactly what it promises: training for an allied health job without crushing financial burden. Just understand your child will start near the lower end of the dental support salary range, at least initially.