How Much Do Dentists Make in Ohio? Your Simple 2024 Pay Guide
Ever wonder how much money a dentist makes in Ohio? You’re not the only one! Whether you want to become a dentist or are just curious about pay, this article will lay out what you need to know. I’ll go over what dentists make by city, experience, and type. I’ll also talk about why dentistry in Ohio could be a great job—or where it can be tough. If you want the honest truth that’s up to date, you’re in the right place!
Table of Contents
Understanding Dentist Salaries in Ohio
Let’s start simple: How much does a dentist make in Ohio in 2024?
Most general dentists in Ohio make between $170,000 and $190,000 a year. That’s a pretty good salary! But these numbers can go up or down, depending on your experience, what you do, and where you work.
By average, I mean both the middle and mean numbers. The median dentist pay in Ohio (where half earn more, half earn less) is about $187,410, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022). Other sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com also agree with these numbers, and sometimes report even higher pay for the top dentists.
If you’re just getting started as a new dentist, you might see pay on the low side—maybe $120,000 to $150,000. Once you get more years or own your own place, you can make $250,000 or even more.
How Much Do Different Dentists Make in Ohio?
Not every dentist does the same job, and pay changes with it. Here’s how it looks for different jobs in dentistry:
General Dentist: The Basic Job
General dentists take care of cavities, clean teeth, and keep mouths healthy. Most dentists in Ohio do general work.
- Usual pay: $170,000–$190,000 a year
- Range: $100,000–$250,000 (depending on how long you’ve worked, the office, and so on)
- What makes a difference? How many people you see, which treatments you do, and if you work in a big city or small town.
Dental Specialists: Higher Pay for Special Jobs
Some dentists get extra training for tough jobs. Here’s what these jobs pay:
| Specialty | Average Salary (Ohio) | Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | $290,000–$320,000 | $200,000–$400,000+ | Top paid. Surgery and hard cases. |
| Orthodontist | $250,000–$280,000 | $180,000–$350,000 | Braces and bite fixes |
| Pediatric Dentist | $200,000–$230,000 | $150,000–$300,000 | Works with kids |
| Endodontist | $220,000–$250,000 | $160,000–$320,000 | Root canals, inside tooth work |
| Periodontist | $210,000–$240,000 | $150,000–$310,000 | Gum and implant specialist |
| Prosthodontist | $180,000–$210,000 | $120,000–$280,000 | Replaces missing teeth |
Why do these jobs pay more? They need extra training, tougher skills, and sometimes there’s not many specialists in town.
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Dentist Pay by City in Ohio: Where Pays Best?
Did you know your pay could change just by working in a different city? The city you pick in Ohio can make a real difference.
Big Cities: Bigger Salaries?
Here’s what dentists make in Ohio’s main cities:
| City | Average Salary | Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $175,000–$195,000 | ~92-95 |
| Cleveland | $170,000–$190,000 | ~85-90 |
| Cincinnati | $172,000–$192,000 | ~90-93 |
| Toledo | $160,000–$180,000 | ~80-85 |
| Dayton | $165,000–$185,000 | ~82-87 |
Columbus pays the most and costs less to live in than other cities. Places like Toledo or Dayton pay a bit less, but living there is cheaper too.
Rural vs. City: Who Gets Paid More?
Dentists in small towns in Ohio sometimes make as much or more than those in the city. Why? Less dentists in those places, so more people need you. In these towns, dentists can be very busy!
Big cities have more jobs and more people, but a lot more dentists competing with you. Plus, living costs are higher.
Why Do Dentist Salaries Change in Ohio?
It’s not just where you work. Sometimes it’s how you work—and who you work for.
Your Experience Level
- New dentists (0–2 years): $120,000–$150,000
- Dentists with 5–10 years: $180,000–$220,000
- Older/Very experienced dentists (10+ years): $200,000–$250,000+
The longer you work, the more money you can make.
Practice Owner, Employee, or Company Dentist?
- Practice owners can make good money ($250,000+), but they also have to pay for staff, rent, and bills out of that.
- Associates (employees) often get steady pay ($120,000–$180,000) plus bonuses—some get 25–35% of what they earn for the office.
- Corporate/Chain dentists (big company dental clinics): These jobs usually give you a steady paycheck, benefits, and less stress. But pay can be lower than owning your own place.
It’s kind of like deciding if you want to run the show or have someone else in charge. Both have good and bad parts.
Is Ohio a Good Place to Be a Dentist?
You might ask, “The money looks fine, but is Ohio a good spot for dentists?” Here’s what to think about:
- Cheaper cost of living: Ohio costs about 10–15% less than the U.S. average. You can do more with your money here—especially buying a house or groceries.
- Steady need: People always need dentists! The Bureau of Labor Statistics thinks dental jobs will grow about 6% through 2032.
- Dental schools: Ohio has good dental schools like Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, so there’s always new dentists starting out.
Practice Types: Does Where You Work Matter?
Now, let’s break down where you can work:
Private Practice
Want your own office? Owners make more, set their schedules, and build a business. But you pay for staff, tools, office space, and advertising. How much you keep depends on your costs and patients.
Big Dental Chains/Companies
Working for a Dental Service Organization (DSO) is more like having a normal job. You may get good benefits and time off, and don’t have to run the business. Pay is sometimes less than if you owned a busy office.
Dental Associates
Associates work for another dentist. There are less business worries, and the pay is steady. Many start here before moving up.
No matter where you work, having a good china dental lab partner helps you care for patients and make more.
The Real Costs: Overhead and Student Loans
Taking home $180,000 sounds awesome, but the bills don’t stop.
Practice Costs
If you own a practice, you need to pay:
- Staff: Hygienists, assistants, reception
- Tools and supplies: Everything, from dental chairs to floss
- Rent and utilities: Office costs every month
- Insurance: To keep you covered
- Ads and flyers to get patients
Most dental offices in Ohio lose about half of the earnings to these costs—or sometimes more!
Dental School Loans
Most Ohio dental school grads start out with over $300,000 in loans. That’s a big debt. Your pay helps, but you have to plan carefully and pay it down slow.
Comparing Ohio Dentist Pay to the USA
Dentists in Ohio usually make a bit more than the national average. The U.S. median is about $163,220, but in Ohio, it’s closer to $187,410 for general dentists.
The win for Ohio is that your money goes further here. A dentist in Ohio keeps more of each paycheck, compared to someone in places like California or New York.
Here’s a look:
| State | Average General Dentist Pay | Cost of Living Index | Net Money Kept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $187,410 | ~87 | High |
| New York | $188,000 | 127 | Medium |
| California | $180,000 | 140 | Lower |
| Texas | $172,000 | 94 | High |
If you want your paycheck to go further, Ohio stands out!
Is Dentistry a Good Job in Ohio?
Let’s be honest. Is it really worth going to dental school and working in Ohio?
The Problem: Dental school is expensive. When you add up tuition, living, and loans, many new dentists feel stuck.
Agitate: You could spend many years paying off debt or feel like you’re trying to catch up—stressful!
The Solution: Ohio has higher salaries, good benefits (like through Delta Dental or MetLife), steady job growth, and a lower cost of living. This means you can pay your bills and save! Whether you work as an associate, own a clinic, or join a dental company, there’s solid earning.
Still thinking? Take a look at dentist specialties like orthodontist or oral surgery for even more pay.
Top Help for Dentists and Dental Students in Ohio
You don’t need to figure it all out alone! Some good places to get help or info:
- Ohio Dental Association (ODA): They fight for you, offer jobs, and learning.
- Ohio dental schools: OSU and Case Western are great for learning and making friends in the field.
- Salary Sites: Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com give live pay details.
- Need dental tools and support? Discover our digital dental lab.
- Want advice about dental problems or info about dental implant? Try our resource library!
FAQ: Answers to the Biggest Questions
Q: Do dentists get rich in Ohio?
A: Some do, but it takes time and work. Specialists and clinic owners make the most.
Q: Which dental specialty pays the best in Ohio?
A: Oral surgeons and orthodontists make the most money.
Q: Is there a big difference between city and rural pay?
A: Yes, sometimes rural dentists earn more if there’s less competition. Cities have more jobs but also more dentists.
Q: How much does dental school cost in Ohio?
A: Most grads come out with more than $300,000 in loans. Plan wisely!
Q: Are there jobs for new dentists in Ohio?
A: Yes! There’s steady need, especially as old dentists retire.
Key Takeaways: What to Remember
- Average general dentist pay in Ohio: $170,000–$190,000 a year.
- Specialists get higher pay: Oral surgeons and orthodontists do best.
- Where (and how) you work matters: City, small town, owner, employee—all matter for your pay.
- Practice costs and loans: Don’t forget, these lower your take-home pay.
- Cost of living: Ohio is cheap, so your money buys more.
- Lots of choices: Think about the job, place, and type you want.
- Get help: The Ohio Dental Association and local labs can help you start your career.
Thinking about dentistry in Ohio? Do your research, count your money, and see if this job matches what you want!
References:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), Salary.com (2024), Indeed (2024), Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau.
