What Ohio Dental Association does

The Ohio Dental Association (ODA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association founded in 1866 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It serves Ohio-licensed dentists through a tripartite membership structure bundling ODA, American Dental Association (ADA), and local component society access into a single dues package, with a stated member base of 3,000+ dental professionals and a staff of 11-50. ODA's product surface spans professional advocacy (via its ODPAC subsidiary and Day at the Statehouse), continuing education (a 44+ course catalog culminating in the September 17-19, 2026 Annual Session in Columbus), member-only resource libraries (Regulatory Compliance Guide, contract analysis, dental insurance assistance, peer review, Medicaid/Medicare resources), endorsed products and discounts through ODA Services Corp. (averaging claimed $5,000/year in member savings), a Jobs & Ads classified board, a Find-a-Dentist public directory, and community programs including Give Kids A Smile, Dental OPTIONS, and the Dentist Loan Repayment Program.

ODA's revenue mechanics are anchored in recurring annual membership dues, supplemented by Annual Session CE course fees, exhibitor booth revenue from 150+ vendors, classified advertising, and ODA Foundation raffle proceeds (sold digitally via Zeffy.com at $100-$500 ticket tiers). The organization operates three wholly-owned subsidiaries — ODA Foundation (philanthropic arm funding grants such as the 2025 Shawnee State University simulator grant), ODA Services Corp. (endorsed-product evaluation and member benefits), and ODPAC (federally registered political action committee). Distribution is primarily direct through oda.org, phone support at (614) 486-2700, and annual in-person events, with regional distribution via Ohio's component dental societies.

ODA's strategic positioning rests on regulatory influence (securing a historic Ohio Medicaid dental reimbursement increase, advancing the hygienist laser-usage rule, defeating anti-fluoridation legislation) and 160-year brand credibility. There is no external venture, private equity, or parent ownership; leadership is provided by an elected House of Delegates and Executive Committee, with day-to-day operations led by Director of Legal and Legislative Services Eric Richmond and Director of Dental Services Chris Moore (in his 37th year).

Name

Ohio Dental Association

Legal name

Ohio Dental Association

Website

https://oda.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1866

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from Ohio dentists, providing access to member benefits, resources, advocacy, CE courses, and endorsed product discounts.
2. Foundation Raffle: Annual raffle generating funds for ODA Foundation grants and scholarships. Individual tickets $100, 3-pack $250, 6-pack $500. Maximum 700 tickets sold. First prize $10,000 cash.
3. Tripartite Membership Dues: Combined membership covering ODA, American Dental Association (ADA), and local component dental society, sold as a package benefit.
4. Annual Session Registration: Revenue from CE course fees, event registrations, and exhibitor fees for the annual ODA Annual Session.
5. Jobs & Ads Board: Fee-based classified advertising board where dentists post job listings, practice purchase opportunities, equipment for sale, and other advertisements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Ohio Dental Association is a professional membership organization that sells annual membership to licensed Ohio dentists, providing advocacy representation at the Ohio Statehouse, continuing education courses, regulatory compliance guidance, endorsed product discounts, peer review, dental insurance assistance, and legal resources. The organization also operates the ODA Annual Session conference, ODA Leadership Institute, ODA Foundation grants and scholarships, ODPAC political action committee, and community programs such as Give Kids A Smile and Dental OPTIONS.

Product overview

The Ohio Dental Association operates as a unified membership organization providing a comprehensive suite of services to Ohio dentists. The core offerings include professional membership with advocacy representation, the Find a Dentist public directory, ODA Jobs & Ads Board, and the ODA Annual Session conference. Member benefits include endorsed products through ODA Services Corp., regulatory compliance resources, contract analysis, dental insurance assistance, legal resources, peer review, and access to continuing education. The organization also operates ODA Foundation (grants/scholarships), ODPAC (political advocacy), and community programs including Give Kids A Smile, Dental OPTIONS, and the Dentist Loan Repayment Program. The ODA Leadership Institute provides leadership development, while resources like Medicaid/Medicare assistance and Health and Wellness support practice operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ODA Membership Annual professional membership for licensed Ohio dentists providing tripartite coverage (ODA, ADA, and local component society), advocacy representation, CE access, regulatory compliance guidance, peer review, dental insurance assistance, legal resources, and member discounts on endorsed products and services.
• ODA Annual Session Three-day in-person annual conference offering 44+ continuing education courses, an exhibit hall with 150+ vendors, networking events, and special programming for dental professionals. Scheduled for September 17-19 in Columbus.
• ODA Leadership Institute Annual leadership development event held in March at the Hilton Columbus Polaris Hotel providing skills training and networking for dentists and dental students.
• Day at the Statehouse Annual grassroots advocacy event bringing dentists and dental students to the Ohio Statehouse to meet with legislators on issues affecting the dental profession.
• ODA Jobs & Ads Board Online classifieds board allowing dentists to post and find job listings, purchase practices, buy/sell equipment, locate available office space, and place miscellaneous advertisements.
• ODA Foundation Philanthropic arm of ODA that awards annual grants and scholarships to support oral health of Ohio residents, including a 2025 grant to Shawnee State University for Charlie Manikin Simulators.
• ODA Foundation Annual Raffle Annual digital raffle supporting ODA Foundation grants and scholarships. Individual tickets $100, 3-pack $250, 6-pack $500. Maximum 700 tickets; first prize $10,000 cash.
• ODA Services Corp. Endorsed Products Member benefit program providing access to reduced rates on endorsed dental supplies, equipment, insurance products, practice management resources, and health benefits, with average savings of $5,000 per year per member.
• ODPAC (Ohio Dental Political Action Committee) Federally registered political action committee representing dentistry's voice in Ohio politics, protecting the profession from unnecessary government interference through legislative advocacy and contributions.
• Give Kids A Smile Community volunteer program through which ODA member dentists provide dental care access to underserved children in Ohio.
• Dental OPTIONS Volunteer program connecting ODA member dentists with underserved Ohio populations in need of dental care.
• Dentist Loan Repayment Program Program providing student loan repayment assistance to dentists in exchange for service commitments, addressing workforce shortages in Ohio.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members can save on average $5,000 per year with OhioDDS endorsed dental supplies
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core, endorsed and preferred.

• Shawnee State UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Received ODA Foundation grant in 2025 to purchase Charlie Manikin Simulators to expand and enhance dental hygiene education programs, addressing workforce shortage and access to care.
• ODA FoundationcoreOthersThe philanthropic arm of the ODA, committed to improving oral health of Ohio residents and enhancing the dental profession. Awards funds annually for grants and scholarships. Primary funding sources include the annual raffle.
• ODA Services Corp.coreOthersODA membership benefit providing members access to reduced rates on products and services including dental supplies, insurance products, and practice management resources. Board researches and evaluates products before endorsement.
• ODPACcoreOthersFederally registered political action committee that is dentistry's voice in Ohio's political arena, dedicated to protecting the dental profession from unnecessary government interference.
• Whiteboard MarketingendorsedGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital marketing agency serving as an endorsed partner of ODA Services Corp. Presents AI in Dentistry Marketing courses at Annual Session.
• The Dawson AcademypreferredStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental education organization providing CE courses presented at ODA Annual Session including Functional Aesthetics, Complete Care Dentistry, and CEO Approach courses.
• Zest Dental SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided speaker Dr. Ankur Gupta for course on LOCATOR Abutment system at Annual Session.
• Kettenbach DentalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDental product company whose representative Jason Kiser presented on preventive and restorative products at Annual Session.
• ColgateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerColgate Oral Pharmaceuticals provided speaker Becky Horst for caries management CE course.
• Central Ohio CPRpreferredStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned CPR training provider since 2006, offering BLS Certification courses at ODA Annual Session following American Heart Association guidelines.
• Studio EightyEightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDentistry's story-driven marketing agency (named Top Healthcare Marketing Agency in US by Healthcare Business Review) and sommelier service, sponsoring Dentistry Uncorked event.
• Huntington Bank Practice FinanceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPractice financing lender sponsoring Dentistry Uncorked event at Annual Session.
• Transition OneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDental practice transition services, sponsoring Dentistry Uncorked event at Annual Session.
• Mango VoiceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDental practice communications provider sponsoring Dentistry Uncorked event at Annual Session.
• Component Dental SocietiescoreOthersLocal dental societies throughout Ohio that serve as affiliated chapters of ODA, representing dentists at the regional level.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Illinois State Dental Society: Illinois constituent society of the ADA providing advocacy, continuing education, member resources, and a tripartite membership structure functionally identical to ODA.
• Michigan Dental Association: Michigan state dental association offering CE, advocacy, member benefits, and component society support closely mirroring ODA's operating model; a fellow Midwestern regional peer.
• California Dental Association: State-level professional membership association for California dentists; offers the same tripartite advocacy, CE, member benefits, and component society structure as ODA, but at significantly larger scale.
• New York State Dental Association: Constituent society of the ADA serving New York dentists with advocacy, continuing education, peer review, and member benefit programs directly comparable to ODA's offerings.
• Pennsylvania Dental Association: Tripartite ADA-affiliated state dental association providing advocacy, CE, regulatory guidance, and member benefits to Pennsylvania dentists; same operating model as ODA.
• Texas Dental Association: State-level professional association for Texas dentists providing advocacy, CE, member services, and an annual meeting; structurally and operationally near-identical to ODA across all major member benefit categories.
• Florida Dental Association: Florida state dental association offering membership, advocacy, CE, and member services comparable to ODA; similar size and scope as a mid-large state constituent society.

Others

• American Dental Education Association: National association representing academic dental institutions and educators; adjacent to ODA given ODA's Foundation grants to dental schools (e.g., Shawnee State) and shared workforce-development mission.

Broad incumbents

• American Dental Association: National umbrella professional association for U.S. dentists; ODA is a tripartite affiliate and the ADA sets nationwide standards, advocacy priorities, and CE frameworks that ODA extends at the state level.

Emerging players

• Academy of General Dentistry: National membership association focused specifically on general dentists offering CE, fellowship credentials, and advocacy; overlaps with ODA on CE and member benefits but with a narrower specialty scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ohiodentalassoc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ohiodentalassn
• Facebookfacebook.com/ohiodentalassoc
• Instagraminstagram.com/ohiodentalassoc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ohio-dental-association-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ohio Dental Association