Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that supports a vast network of Aspen Dental-branded dentistry locations throughout the United States. Founded in 1998, Aspen Dental's headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. The company operates on a unique model where it provides extensive business, administrative, and marketing support to independently owned and operated dental practices. This allows the dentists to primarily focus on patient care rather without the burden of running a small business. Aspen Dental aims to make dental care more accessible and affordable, particularly for individuals who might not have a regular dental provider or face financial barriers to treatment. Their clinics offer a comprehensive suite of dental services under one roof, including general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, clear aligners like Motto®), and specialized treatments such as oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants), and endodontics (root canals). They also prioritize emergency dental care, offering same-day appointments for urgent needs. To further enhance affordability, Aspen Dental provides various financing options and a "Dental Savings Plan" which offers discounts on services for an annual fee, separate from traditional dental insurance. While the individual Aspen Dental practices are independently owned by licensed dentists, they benefit from the collective resources and expertise of the larger Aspen Dental network, including advanced technology like digital labs and 3D printing. The company has also initiated community outreach programs, such as the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which provides free dental care to veterans and those in need. Aspen Dental's business model, while expanding access to care, has also faced scrutiny, with some reviews and reports highlighting concerns regarding patient experience and billing practices. However, many patients praise the convenience, range of services, and the ability to receive comprehensive care in one location. Aspen Dental continually invests in clinician training and development, offering extensive CE credits and a clear path to practice ownership for dentists within their network.