Dental Support Services and Allied Professions at UEI College-Sacramento

UEI College-Sacramento's dental support certificate produces graduates earning roughly $22,000 in their first year—below both the national and California medians for similar programs. While the program sits at just the 21st percentile nationally, it reaches the 40th percentile within California, where dental support earnings vary wildly. The state's top performers like Cabrillo College produce graduates earning $75,000, nearly triple what UEI grads make, suggesting this certificate may be preparing students for lower-tier positions within the dental field rather than the better-compensated roles.

The modest $9,500 debt load is reasonable given the low starting earnings, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans within six months of full-time work. The 19% earnings bump to $26,200 by year four shows some income progression, though that's still below what many retail management positions offer. The program's high Pell Grant percentage (72%) indicates it serves economically disadvantaged students who may have limited alternatives.

For families considering this program, understand that dental support roles exist on a spectrum—from front-desk reception to certified dental assistants—and this certificate appears to lead toward the lower end. If your child is committed to dental healthcare, research why other California programs achieve dramatically higher outcomes and whether additional certification or training might be necessary to access better-paying positions in the field.