Launch your dental career with free online training. Ohio dental assistants earn $47,610+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$47,610/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
7,200+
Population 65+
18.3
Training Cost
FREE
Buckeye State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 7,200+ dental practices and a population where 18.3 are over 65.
Ohio dental assistants earn $47,610 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $51,000 - $58,500.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Ohio.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Ohio requires dental assistants to hold a Certificate to Practice from the Ohio State Dental Board. Certification requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Ohio offers Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) credentials for advanced clinical procedures through additional training and examination.
Ohio requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or Ohio state exam. Radiography certification is part of DA certification requirements and must be renewed with continuing education.
State capital, OSU dental school
Case Western dental school, major market
Southwest Ohio hub, UC presence
Miami Valley region
Northwest Ohio hub
Northeast Ohio, mid-market
Ohio offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 350+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 305 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
Major public dental school in Columbus with comprehensive programs.
View Careers →Employees: 250+
Facilities: 1 dental school
Location: 9601 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
Elite private dental school in Cleveland with research focus.
View Careers →Employees: 1,200+
Facilities: 60+ locations
Location: Multiple OH locations
National DSO with extensive Ohio presence.
View Careers →Employees: 700+
Facilities: 35+ locations
Location: Multiple OH locations
Doctor-led DSO with significant Ohio footprint.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Cleveland area
World-renowned health system with dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 150+
Facilities: Multiple locations
Location: Central Ohio
Major Columbus-area health system with dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 5 locations
Location: Toledo area
Community health center serving Northwest Ohio.
View Careers →Employees: 10,500+
Facilities: 6,000+ practices
Location: Statewide
Massive private practice market across Ohio's metros and rural areas.
View Careers →Jennifer M.
Columbus • OSU Dental
"Working at Ohio State's dental school means Big Ten athletics and excellent research. Great environment!"
2024-11
David T.
Cleveland • Cleveland Clinic
"Cleveland Clinic's reputation is worldwide. Prestigious employer with excellent benefits."
2024-10
Amanda K.
Cincinnati • Private Practice
"Queen City practice serves great patients. Cincinnati's cost of living beats coastal cities!"
2024-09
Ohio dental assistants earn an average of $47,610 annually ($22.89/hour). Entry-level positions start at $38,000-$43,500, while experienced DAs earn $51,000-$58,500. Columbus and Cincinnati metros pay highest at $45,000-$53,000. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Ohio requires dental assistants to hold a Certificate to Practice from the State Dental Board. Certification requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. EFDA credentials require additional training and state examination.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Ohio certification requires proof of training plus radiography certification. The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from enrollment to employment.
Strong outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Ohio's 11.8 million population, 7,200+ dental practices, and two dental schools (OSU, Case Western) create substantial demand. Multiple major metros provide diverse employment options.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Ohio Dental Board certification fee, radiography certification exam, and any optional certifications when ready. Many Ohio employers reimburse certification costs.
Columbus and Cincinnati metros lead with $45,000-$53,000 as state's largest and most competitive markets. Cleveland offers $44,000-$52,000 near Case Western dental school. Ohio's moderate cost of living enhances purchasing power statewide.
Ohio offers: (1) Two dental schools (OSU, Case Western) creating academic employment, (2) Multiple major metros with diverse opportunities, (3) Major health systems (Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth), (4) EFDA credentials for career advancement, (5) Moderate cost of living.
Ohio's Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) credential allows dental assistants to perform advanced procedures including placing and carving restorative materials, among other functions. EFDA requires additional Board-approved training and state examination, increasing employment value and earning potential.
Join thousands of Ohio residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredOhio's dental workforce serves approximately 11.8 million residents through an estimated 7,200+ dental practices. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metros dominate dental employment, with significant markets in Dayton, Toledo, and Akron.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Ohio employed approximately 19,200 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $47,610—near the national median with Ohio's moderate cost of living providing competitive purchasing power.
Ohio hosts two dental schools—Ohio State University in Columbus and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Both institutions train approximately 180 dentists combined annually and create substantial academic employment opportunities.
Ohio's EFDA credential pathway allows dental assistants to advance their careers by performing expanded functions. This credential system creates clear professional development opportunities and increased earning potential for ambitious dental assistants.
Cleveland Clinic—consistently ranked among America's top hospitals—operates dental services as part of its comprehensive healthcare network. Employment with Cleveland Clinic provides prestigious credentials and world-class professional development.
Ohio's geographic position provides access to multiple regional markets. Northern Ohio dental assistants can access Michigan and Pennsylvania opportunities, while Southern Ohio connects to Kentucky and Indiana markets with their distinct characteristics.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.