Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other.

Degree Overview

Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other (CIP 51.0699) is a healthcare field focused on supporting oral health through specialized, non-dentist roles that assist in the prevention, treatment, management, and administration of dental care. This classification includes emerging, interdisciplinary, or less common dental support programs that do not fall under a single, well-defined allied dental title such as dental hygiene or dental assisting. It reflects the expanding ecosystem of oral healthcare, where teams of trained professionals work together to deliver efficient, high-quality patient care.

For a degree search site, Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other represents accessibility, stability, and entry points into healthcare without the time or cost of becoming a dentist. Oral health is essential to overall health, and demand continues to grow for trained professionals who can support dentists, educate patients, manage clinics, and deliver specialized services. This degree appeals to students who want a healthcare career with direct patient impact, strong job demand, and shorter training pathways than professional doctoral programs.

What Is a Dental Services and Allied Professions Degree?

A Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other degree is a career-focused health program that prepares students for support and specialized roles within dental practices, clinics, laboratories, and oral health organizations. Programs under the “Other” designation may include advanced dental assisting, expanded functions roles, dental laboratory support, oral health education, infection control specialization, practice coordination, or emerging allied dental occupations.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Supporting clinical dental care and procedures
• Patient interaction and oral health education
• Dental office operations and coordination
• Infection control and safety standards
• Specialized technical or administrative dental functions

Community colleges, technical schools, and universities offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for allied dental and oral health support careers
• Address workforce needs in dental and oral healthcare settings
• Provide pathways into healthcare without doctoral education
• Support career advancement within dental services

Programs emphasize applied skills, compliance, and real-world clinical environments.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how dental teams function and how allied professionals contribute to patient care, safety, and efficiency. You’ll study basic oral anatomy, dental terminology, common procedures, patient preparation, and post-treatment support.

The curriculum blends clinical knowledge with practical skills. Students learn how to assist during procedures, manage instruments and materials, follow strict infection control protocols, and communicate clearly with patients. Depending on the program, students may also learn administrative tasks such as scheduling, insurance processing, records management, and regulatory compliance.

Programs often include supervised clinical experiences that expose students to real dental settings and team-based care.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Chairside and procedural support—assisting dental care
• Patient communication and education—oral health guidance
• Infection control and sterilization—safety compliance
• Dental materials and equipment handling—clinical readiness
• Clinical documentation and recordkeeping—accuracy and compliance
• Office and practice coordination—workflow support
• Ethical and professional conduct—patient-centered care
• Team collaboration in healthcare settings—integrated practice

These skills are transferable across private practices, clinics, and public health settings.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but often includes:

• Introduction to Dental Services and Oral Health: field overview
• Oral Anatomy and Dental Terminology: foundational knowledge
• Clinical Assisting and Support Techniques: hands-on skills
• Dental Materials and Instrumentation: tools and usage
• Infection Control and OSHA Standards: safety protocols
• Patient Care, Ethics, and Communication: professional practice
• Dental Office Procedures and Administration: operations
• Radiography or Expanded Functions (where applicable): specialization
• Clinical Practicum or Externship: real-world experience

Programs may align coursework with certification or state credentialing requirements.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other degree prepares students for a variety of support and technical roles within oral healthcare. Specific job titles depend on program focus and state regulations.

Common career paths include:

• Dental Assistant or Expanded Functions Assistant: clinical support
• Oral Health or Dental Care Coordinator: patient and workflow support
• Dental Laboratory or Technical Support Staff: fabrication assistance
• Infection Control or Sterilization Technician: safety oversight
• Dental Office or Practice Support Specialist: operations and records
• Community Oral Health Worker: education and outreach
• Pathway to Advanced Dental Education: hygiene or dental programs

Many professionals advance by gaining certifications or additional training.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in a range of oral healthcare environments:

• Private dental practices and group clinics
• Public health and community dental clinics
• Hospitals and integrated healthcare systems
• Dental laboratories and technical facilities
• Educational and training institutions
• Government, military, or correctional health services
• Insurance, compliance, or dental support organizations

These roles are essential to maintaining efficient and safe dental care delivery.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary by role, certification, experience, and location.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level allied dental support roles: often $40,000–$55,000
• Experienced or specialized allied professionals: commonly $55,000–$70,000
• Advanced roles, coordinators, or specialists: can reach $75,000–$95,000+

Certifications, expanded functions, and supervisory responsibilities can increase pay.

Is This Degree Hard?

Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other is considered moderately demanding and highly practical. Students must learn clinical procedures, follow strict safety protocols, and communicate effectively with patients. Success depends on attention to detail, professionalism, and comfort in clinical environments.

The challenge lies in balancing technical accuracy with patient-centered care and compliance requirements.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Want to work in healthcare without becoming a dentist
• Enjoy hands-on, people-centered work
• Are interested in oral health and patient education
• Prefer shorter training pathways with strong job demand
• Want opportunities to advance within dental services

How to Prepare in High School and College

To prepare for allied dental programs:

• Take biology, health sciences, and anatomy courses
• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Practice attention to detail and organization
• Learn basic medical or dental terminology if available
• Explore dental careers through job shadowing or volunteering

Dental Services and Allied Professions, Other (CIP 51.0699) is a vital and growing area of healthcare that supports oral health at every level. It offers accessible entry into healthcare, consistent demand, and meaningful patient interaction without the long educational commitment of professional dental degrees. For students seeking stability, purpose, and practical impact in healthcare, this degree provides a strong and flexible foundation within the dental and oral health workforce.