Analysis
Similar dental support programs in Utah suggest first-year earnings around $39,676, but something concerning emerges by year four: graduates see their earnings drop to $32,578. This backward trajectory is unusual for healthcare-adjacent fields and deserves scrutiny—are graduates struggling to find full-time positions, or does the local market have limited opportunities for advancement?
The estimated debt of $17,080 keeps the financial burden manageable relative to that first-year figure, with a ratio of 0.43 putting it well below concerning thresholds. However, that advantage evaporates if earnings actually follow the downward pattern shown in the four-year data. The national benchmark of $55,016 suggests comparable programs elsewhere produce substantially stronger outcomes, raising questions about whether Utah's market simply pays less for these roles or if program variations matter more than geography.
Before committing, investigate that earnings decline directly with the program and current students. Ask whether graduates typically work part-time by choice or necessity, and whether the curriculum aligns with what Utah dental practices actually need. The debt won't sink you, but stagnant or declining wages in a field that should offer stability makes this a program that needs more explanation than most.
Where Utah Valley University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley University | — | $32,578 | — |
| Chabot College | $85,175 | $87,048 | +2% |
| Shoreline Community College | $78,372 | $76,105 | -3% |
| Weber State University | $38,199 | $31,255 | -18% |
| Fortis College-Salt Lake City | $48,870 | $28,245 | -42% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Utah (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Utah Valley UniversityOrem | $6,270 | $39,676* | $32,578 | $17,080* | — |
 Fortis College-Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City | $13,112 | $48,870* | $28,245 | $44,222* | 0.90 |
 Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City | $4,257 | $39,676* | — | $9,357* | 0.24 |
 Weber State UniversityOgden | $6,391 | $38,199* | $31,255 | $22,624* | 0.59 |
| National Median | — | $55,016* | — | $19,309* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
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 Utah Valley University, approximately 23% 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 3 similar programs in UT. Actual outcomes may vary.