Ohio has three real metro markets, steady consolidation, and none of the drama of the coasts. That makes it easy to underestimate how much buyer interest an Ohio practice can draw. Here’s what’s specific about selling here, and what isn’t.
The math is the same everywhere
Buyers price EBITDA, not collections, in Ohio like everywhere else. If that sentence isn’t familiar, start with how much is my dental practice worth and come back. This guide covers what’s specific to the state.
What’s different in Ohio
- Three metros, three buyer pools. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland each have active DSO and group buyers, and they don’t overlap as much as you’d think. Which market you’re in shapes who shows up and how they price.
- Moderate, manageable taxes. Ohio’s state income tax rates are moderate, and some municipalities add their own. The state side of the math won’t dominate your deal, but the local layer is worth checking before you model your net.
- Ownership rules. Ohio keeps ownership of dental practices with licensed dentists. DSOs operate through management arrangements, and the deal you sign reflects that structure.
- Non-competes. Ohio enforces non-competes that are reasonable in time and geography, and courts will trim overbroad ones rather than throw them out. Assume yours will hold, and negotiate it accordingly.
I'm a dentist, not a lawyer or CPA. Structure, tax, and contract questions deserve professional advice specific to your situation.
What I’d do first
Know your own EBITDA and know who’s actually buying in your metro before you respond to anyone. If you want a second set of eyes on your numbers, send them through the free valuation review. I’ll reply within 48 hours with my honest read.
— Kevin