Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that provides business and administrative services to independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dental practices. Founded in 1998, Aspen Dental has grown to a vast network of over 1,100 locations across the United States, making it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. The core mission of Aspen Dental is to break down barriers to quality dental care, focusing on accessibility and affordability. They often establish practices in areas known as "dental deserts," where access to dental providers is limited. While each Aspen Dental practice is independently owned by a licensed dentist, ADMI offers comprehensive support in areas such as marketing, operations, training, procurement, and technology. This unique model, often referred to as a Dental Service Organization (DSO) model, allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care while the business aspects are handled by the support organization. Aspen Dental has also pioneered a "Practice Ownership Program" (POP) since 2004, empowering dentists to become practice owners with the backing of ADMI's non-clinical support. Aspen Dental offers a wide range of dental services, catering to various patient needs. These services include general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, clear aligners like Motto®), dentures (full, partial, implant-supported, repairs, and relines), dental implants, and specialty services such as oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting) and endodontics (root canal therapy). They also provide emergency dental care, with many offices offering evening and weekend appointments to accommodate urgent needs. While Aspen Dental aims to make dental care accessible, patient experiences can vary. The company emphasizes a patient-centric approach, aiming to provide comprehensive treatment plans and flexible financing options, including working with third-party lenders and their own savings plans. However, some online reviews have raised concerns regarding billing practices and recommendations for extensive or costly treatments. Despite these criticisms, Aspen Dental continues to expand its reach and services, often engaging in community initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which offers free dental care to veterans and those in need.