Planning your 2025 CE calendar, and making sure your practice doesn't miss a patient while you're away, starts with knowing what's on the Ohio dental conference calendar. According to IBISWorld, there are 5,320 dental businesses operating in the state, employing 35,568 workers. Keeping pace with clinical advances and satisfying state CE requirements means attending the right events, and Ohio offers a full calendar across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

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This guide covers the major dental conferences in Ohio for 2025, including university CE programs, state association meetings, specialty society events, and regional study groups. Dates, venues, costs, and CE credit details are drawn from verified sources and organizer pages.

What Are the Key Takeaways for Ohio Dental CE in 2025?

• The ODA Annual Session is the state's anchor event, described by the Ohio Dental Association as the largest dental meeting in Ohio and one of the largest in the country, held each September in Columbus.
• Ohio dentists must earn 30 CE hours biennially, including mandatory infection control and, for those with a DEA registration, opioid prescribing hours.
• ODA member dentist registration for the 2025 Annual Session was $125; non-members paid $535; hygienists paid $75, per ODA's published 2025 fee schedule.
• The busy conference season runs from late summer through fall, with the ODA Annual Session in late September and university CE programs offered throughout the academic year.
• Regional dental societies across the state, including in Cincinnati, Lorain County, and the Youngstown–Warren area, run local CE meetings that count toward state requirements at lower cost and without travel.
• University programs at Ohio State and UC Blue Ash offer ADA CERP-recognized CE year-round, including online options, hands-on workshops, and required categories such as infection control.

1. Ohio Dental Association Annual Session 2025

When: September 25–27, 2025

Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Who it's for: Dentists, hygienists, EFDAs, assistants, lab technicians, office managers, and front office staff

CE credits: The 2025 session offered more than 75 CE courses, including clinical, practice management, and staff-focused sessions

Cost (2025, per published ODA schedule): $125 for ODA member dentists; $535 for non-members; $75 for hygienists; $45 for EFDAs, assistants, lab technicians, office managers, and front office staff; $0 for spouses (non-office staff), dental residents, and hygiene students; $15 for other students

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The ODA Annual Session is described as a meeting where attendees can "complete your continuing education requirements, learn about the latest trends in dentistry and reconnect with colleagues from across the state." The event draws dental professionals from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Daily schedules for 2025 ran 7:30 AM–6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, and 7:30 AM–5:00 PM on Saturday.

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The Hilton Columbus Downtown is a co-host hotel connected to the convention center and is within walking distance for registered attendees. Per the ODA, "Our meeting in Columbus provides an opportunity for Ohio dentists to see new products and technologies in person, talk directly with vendors and find solutions that fit their practices."

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Note: The 2026 ODA Annual Session (the 160th) is scheduled for September 17–19, 2026, also at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with 44 CE courses, 150 vendors, 30 expert speakers, and approximately 3,000 dental professionals expected.

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What is the ODA Annual Session? The ODA Annual Session is Ohio's largest dental meeting, held annually at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus. The three-day event offers more than 75 CE courses covering clinical, practice management, and staff topics, a major Midwest exhibit hall, and networking for dental professionals from Ohio and neighboring states.

2. Ohio State University College of Dentistry: Continuing Education

When: Courses offered throughout the academic year; specific session dates published on the OSU CDE course listing page

Where: Ohio State University College of Dentistry, 1316 Postle Hall, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210

Who it's for: Dentists, hygienists, and other oral health professionals

CE credits: Courses are ADA CERP-recognized and count toward Ohio state CE requirements

Cost: Varies by course; check the OSU CDE course listing for current pricing

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The OSU College of Dentistry's Office of Continuing Education offers in-person and online programs across implant dentistry, restorative techniques, practice management, and the required Ohio license renewal categories including infection control.

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OSU is the only state-supported dental school in Ohio and one of the largest public dental schools in the United States, enrolling more than 400 dental students. Its proximity to Columbus makes it a practical option for practitioners in the central Ohio region who want structured CE without the cost of a multi-day conference.

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Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland similarly offers ADA CERP-recognized continuing education courses, including hands-on workshops and online programs that Ohio dentists and hygienists can use toward their state CE requirements.

3. University of Cincinnati Blue Ash: Dental Hygiene CE Programs

When: CE courses offered on a rolling basis through the academic year; specific dates listed on the department's CE page

Where: UC Blue Ash College, 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash, OH 45236 (Cincinnati metro)

Who it's for: Practicing hygienists and dental professionals in southwestern Ohio

CE credits: Available; courses are designed to satisfy Ohio CE requirements for hygienists and dental professionals

Cost: Varies by course

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UC Blue Ash operates an accredited dental hygiene program that functions as a regional hub for dental CE in the Cincinnati area. The continuing education page lists programs such as local anesthesia and nitrous oxide certification, two clinically required competencies for Ohio hygienists. The college also operates a Dental Hygiene Clinic that provides preventive services to the public at reduced fees, supporting both the education program and community oral health. For hygienists in the greater Cincinnati area, these courses provide accessible CE without travel to Columbus.

4. The Center at Dental Ceramics: Digital Dentistry Training

When: Small-group workshops and seminars offered on a rolling schedule; specific dates listed on the Dental Ceramics education page

Where: Cleveland, Ohio (associated with Dental Ceramics, Inc.)

Who it's for: Practicing dentists and dental technicians focused on digital workflows

CE credits: Not confirmed as CE-eligible in the citable sources; verify directly with the organizer

Cost: Not publicly listed; contact the organizer

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The Center at Dental Ceramics is a specialized training facility in Cleveland that offers hands-on courses in digital dentistry workflows, including CAD/CAM restorations, digital impression systems, and laboratory integration. Programs focus on the practical implementation of technologies such as intraoral scanners, chairside milling, and digital design software. The Center is positioned as a venue for small-group seminars and customized training on topics such as digital smile design and advanced ceramics. Clinicians integrating digital technologies into everyday practice and looking for technical, hands-on instruction will find this format distinct from the lecture-heavy programming at larger state conferences.

5. Ohio Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Annual Scientific Sessions and CE Meetings

When: Annual scientific sessions and recurring CE meetings; specific 2025 dates not confirmed on a publicly available current-edition page, check the OAPD directly for next scheduled event

Where: Ohio (location varies by meeting)

Who it's for: Pediatric dentists and dental professionals working with pediatric patient populations

CE credits: Available; programs include topics such as behavior guidance, prevention, and dental materials tailored to pediatric practice

Cost: Not publicly listed; member rates typically apply

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The Ohio Academy of Pediatric Dentistry lists annual scientific sessions and continuing education meetings among its core activities. Programs cover topics specific to pediatric dental practice, behavior guidance, prevention protocols, and dental materials for children. Practitioners who hold or are pursuing board certification in pediatric dentistry and those who work primarily with pediatric populations will find this organization's CE more targeted than general-dentistry programs at the ODA Annual Session.

6. Regional Dental Society Meetings: Cincinnati, Lorain County, and Corydon Palmer

When: Recurring meetings throughout the year; specific schedules published by each local society

Where: Various locations across Ohio

Who it's for: Dentists and dental professionals in the respective local service areas

CE credits: Available; scientific sessions of conventions and study clubs are explicitly listed as CE-eligible by the Ohio State Dental Board

Cost: Member rates apply; varies by society

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Ohio's component dental societies run local programming within the ODA's tripartite framework. The Cincinnati Dental Society serves dentists in the greater Cincinnati area, providing local continuing education, professional networking, and community outreach. The Lorain County Dental Society serves dentists in Lorain County, organizing regional professional meetings and CE events. The Corydon Palmer Dental Society covers Mahoning and Trumbull Counties in the Youngstown–Warren area of northeastern Ohio, providing CE programs, professional meetings, and networking for member dentists in that region.

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These local society meetings give Ohio dentists a practical path to earning CE hours year-round without travel costs. Practice management consultants frequently point out that attending regional dental meetings offers high-ROI learning with lower overhead than national conferences. That is a factor worth weighing when planning an annual CE calendar.

What Does the Ohio Dental Conference Calendar Look Like in 2025?

How to Choose the Right Ohio Dental Event for Your Needs

Ohio's dental CE landscape ranges from a single large state conference to compact local society meetings. The right choice depends on your role, your renewal cycle, and your budget.

If You Are a Dentist Approaching License Renewal

Ohio dentists must complete 30 CE hours per biennial renewal period. See the FAQ below for the full mandatory-category breakdown, including infection control and opioid prescribing requirements. The ODA Annual Session alone can supply a substantial portion of this requirement in a single three-day block. University programs at OSU and CWRU fill required categories, infection control in particular, through shorter standalone courses that can be scheduled around a busy practice calendar.

If You Are a Dental Hygienist

Hygienists need 24 CE hours every two years, with at least 2 hours in ethics or jurisprudence and mandatory infection control training. UC Blue Ash's hygiene CE programs are designed specifically for this audience and are available in Cincinnati without requiring attendance at the ODA Annual Session. The ODA Annual Session also offers hygienist-focused tracks at a separate registration tier.

If You Are a Practice Manager or DSO Leader

State association conferences are where practice managers connect with vendors, benchmark operational metrics, and attend business-track CE. One practice management consultant advises that dentists use state association meetings to benchmark their practice metrics. Business-focused courses and vendor introductions at these meetings can support practice growth and efficiency. The ODA Annual Session includes staff-focused and office management sessions within its 75-course program.

If You Specialize in Digital Dentistry or Pediatrics

Specialists looking for focused technical training outside the general-dentistry track have two targeted options in Ohio. The Center at Dental Ceramics covers CAD/CAM and digital workflow instruction; the Ohio Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's annual scientific sessions address pediatric-specific clinical programming. These two targeted venues do not replace ODA Annual Session networking, but each offers depth that larger conferences cannot match in a general track.

If You Are Watching the Budget

Regional society meetings typically run at member rates significantly lower than the ODA Annual Session's non-member fee. These include the Cincinnati Dental Society, Lorain County Dental Society, and Corydon Palmer Dental Society. For practices that send multiple team members to conferences, spreading attendance across local meetings throughout the year may be more cost-effective than a single multi-day trip to Columbus. The Delta Dental Foundation offers conference scholarships for select events, though funding is selective and not universal.

When Your Team Is at a Conference, Your Front Desk Shouldn't Go Dark

Conference attendance creates a real gap in patient communication for dental practices, even as your team sharpens clinical skills and builds professional networks. According to Resonate's own data, 30% of dental calls go unanswered in normal operating conditions; that number rises whenever staff are out of the office.

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Resonate's 24/7 AI dental receptionist handles inbound calls and texts back patients after missed calls. It books appointments directly into your practice management system, so your schedule keeps filling even when the whole team is in Columbus. A Texas-based Allied OMS partner running a 30-day pilot captured 41 new patients and $81,000 in revenue using the platform, achieving a 61x ROI. The AI works alongside your team, not instead of it.

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Book a Demo to see how Resonate keeps patient opportunities from slipping while your team is away.

Which Ohio Dental Events Should You Prioritize?

For Ohio dental professionals building a 2025 CE calendar, the events listed here cover every role and budget, but keeping your practice running while your team is away is a separate challenge. Resonate's 24/7 AI dental receptionist ensures no patient call goes unanswered and no appointment opportunity is lost, whether your front desk is at the ODA Annual Session in Columbus or a local society meeting across town. With documented results including 41 new patients and $81,000 in revenue captured during a single 30-day pilot, Resonate is built for practices that can't afford downtime.

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Try Resonate →

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Conferences in Ohio

What are the major dental conferences in Ohio in 2025?

The ODA Annual Session (September 25–27, 2025, in Columbus) is the largest dental meeting in Ohio, offering 75-plus CE courses and a full exhibit hall. University CE programs at Ohio State and UC Blue Ash run year-round, and regional society meetings through the Cincinnati Dental Society, Lorain County Dental Society, and Corydon Palmer Dental Society provide recurring local options.

When and where is the Ohio Dental Association Annual Session held?

The 2025 ODA Annual Session ran September 25–27, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. The event is held annually in Columbus and has not rotated among Ohio metros. The 2026 edition is scheduled for September 17–19, 2026, at the same venue.

How many continuing education hours do Ohio dentists need each year?

Ohio dentists must complete 30 CE hours per two-year renewal period, not per year. The Ohio State Dental Board specifies that this total must include at least 2 hours in infection control and, for dentists with a DEA registration, 2 hours in opioid prescribing. No more than 6 hours may be applied from practice management content.

Are there dental conferences in Ohio specifically for hygienists?

Yes. UC Blue Ash's Dental Hygiene CE program in Cincinnati offers courses designed for practicing hygienists, including local anesthesia and nitrous oxide certification. The ODA Annual Session also includes hygienist-specific tracks and a separate hygienist registration fee. Ohio hygienists must complete 24 CE hours per biennial renewal, including infection control and ethics or jurisprudence.

What CE topics are mandatory for Ohio dental license renewal?

Mandatory categories include at least 2 hours in infection control and, for dentists holding a DEA registration, 2 hours in opioid prescribing. No more than 6 hours may come from practice management content. Hygienists must include infection control and at least 2 hours in ethics or jurisprudence within their 24-hour biennial requirement.

What is the ODA, and who organizes Ohio's largest dental conference?

The Ohio Dental Association (ODA) is a nonprofit professional organization headquartered at 1370 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43215, representing dentists across the state and affiliated with the American Dental Association's tripartite structure. The ODA organizes the ODA Annual Session and supports component societies across Ohio.

How much does it cost to attend the ODA Annual Session?

For 2025, ODA published the following registration fees: ODA member dentists paid $125; non-member dentists paid $535; hygienists paid $75; EFDAs, assistants, lab technicians, office managers, and front office staff paid $45; dental residents and hygiene students paid $0; and other students paid $15.

Are there dental trade show or exhibit hall events in Ohio separate from CE?

The ODA Annual Session includes one of the largest exhibit halls for dental vendors in the Midwest, with 150 vendors at the 2026 session, per ODA's published figures. The event combines clinical CE, practice management sessions, and a full product exhibit floor under one roof. No separate standalone dental trade show in Ohio appears in verified current sources.

What should I know about attending events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center?

The Greater Columbus Convention Center is located at 400 North High Street in downtown Columbus, adjacent to the Short North Arts District. It offers multiple exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and on-site parking garages. The Hilton Columbus Downtown is the conference hotel for the ODA Annual Session, connected to the convention center. ODA Annual Session registration for 2025 was located in Concourse B of the convention center.

Can regional dental society meetings count toward Ohio CE requirements?

Yes. The Ohio State Dental Board's CE information explicitly lists scientific sessions of conventions and study clubs as acceptable CE formats, provided the sponsor is board-approved. Regional society meetings through the Cincinnati Dental Society, Lorain County Dental Society, and Corydon Palmer Dental Society qualify under this framework.

How do I keep my dental practice running while staff attend a conference?

Staffing gaps during conferences are a real operational risk, unanswered calls mean missed appointments. AI-powered answering platforms like Resonate can handle inbound patient calls and texts around the clock and book appointments directly into your practice management system, so your schedule continues filling even when your front desk team is away at an event like the ODA Annual Session.