The cost of living among these states is consistently lower than the national average, meaning your income can cover all of your bills while still leaving you with disposable income to enjoy life outside of work.

• Iowa—Iowa home values have gone up 3.3% over the past year with the median home value being $138,500. The median list price per square foot in Iowa is $130. The median price of homes currently listed in Iowa is $175,000 while the average price to rent in Iowa is $1,075.


• Missouri—The median home cost in Missouri is $150,500, about $115 per square foot. The average cost to rent is $998.00 per month.


• Nebraska—The median home cost in Nebraska is $157,800, about $137 per square foot. The average cost of rent per month is $1,300.


• Southern IL—The median home cost in Marion is $89,500, or about $114 per square foot, with the average cost to rent each month coming in around $850.

• Iowa—Iowans reputation for being modest and hardworking are reflected in the quality and high achievement of the state’s public school districts. Iowa was ranked fifth in the country in education. The Iowa public school system (prekindergarten through grade 12) operates within districts governed by locally elected school boards and superintendents. There is roughly one teacher for every 14 students, compared to the national average ratio of 1:16. On average Iowa spends about $10,313 per pupil, ranking it 14th highest in the nation. The state's graduation rate comes in around 89.7 percent.


• Missouri—The Missouri public school system (prekindergarten through grade 12) operates within districts governed by locally elected school boards and superintendents. Missouri reported below-average per pupil spending and above-average graduation rates, ACT scores and SAT scores in the 2012-2013 school year.


• Nebraska—Similar to Iowa, the Nebraska public school system (prekindergarten through grade 12) operates within districts governed by locally elected school boards and superintendents. In 2013 Nebraska had 303,505 students enrolled in a total of 1,090 schools in 286 school districts. There were 22,103 teachers in the public schools, or roughly one teacher for every 14 students, compared to the national average ratio of 1:16. During the 2012-2013 school year, Nebraska had one of the highest graduation rates in the country at 88.5 percent. Only Iowa's graduation rate was higher.


• Southern IL—Illinois’ graduation rate was 88 percent in 2016. Carbondale public schools are one of the top ranking in Illinois. There are also multiple private schools available for students to attend. This area is known for their award-winning music departments.

Across the Midwest, there are multiple practice owners and experienced dentists who have been recognized as great mentors, clinicians and leaders, and are open to partnership opportunities with the right person. There are also multiple offices that are Large Group Practices (LGPs) meaning they aren’t currently owned by a practice owner, creating a clear path for ownership opportunities for the right dentists. With more than 700 offices across 38 states, there are plenty of ownership opportunities for dentists in the Midwest as well as across the Aspen network. Some specific ownership and/or partnership opportunities can be found in the following locations:

• Iowa—Ottumwa, Sioux City, West Burlington


• Missouri—Branson, Cape Girardeau, Joplin, Farmington


• Nebraska—Grand Island, Omaha


• Southern Illinois—Glen Carbon, Alton, Marion, Quincy

Aspen Dental practice owners throughout the Midwest are known for their commitment to investing in and developing dentists to become better clinicians and leaders. These owners don’t only invest in the dentists that support their offices, but they also are passionate about creating inviting and fun work cultures for all team members and ensuring high patient satisfaction while providing quality dental care to local communities.

Along with mentorship, many practice owners are currently offering a student loan reimbursement package.

• $100K over 3 years to a dentist who works in the Sioux City or Ottumwa, IA offices
• $100K over 3 years to a dentist who works in the Farmington, MO office
• $50K over 2 years to a dentist who works in the St. Joseph, MO office
• $100K over 3 years to a dentist who works in the Norfolk or Grand Island, NE offices
• $100K over 3 years to a dentist who works in the Quincy, IL office