Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1998 by Robert Fontana, it has grown significantly to support a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices across the United States. The core mission of Aspen Dental is to "break down barriers and bring better care to more people," focusing on providing quality, affordable dental care in an honest and judgment-free environment. Aspen Dental's business model revolves around offering comprehensive non-clinical business support services to its branded dental offices. This allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care, while Aspen Dental handles aspects like marketing, operations, training, and administrative tasks. This support system aims to address common challenges patients face in accessing dental care, such as financial barriers, lack of insurance, and difficulty finding convenient appointments. The range of services offered at Aspen Dental practices is extensive and designed to meet diverse patient needs. These include general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), dentures (fabrication, repairs, relines), dental implants, tooth extractions, emergency dental care, oral surgery, and cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and clear aligners (Motto clear aligners). They often provide offers like discounted initial exams for new patients without insurance and offer a dental savings plan. Aspen Dental has a significant presence across the country, with over 1,000 locations in numerous states. Many of these practices are strategically located in "dental deserts" or areas with a high need for dental providers, further aligning with their mission of increasing access to care. Over the years, Aspen Dental has evolved and expanded its reach within the healthcare sector. In 2021, its parent company, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), rebranded as The Aspen Group (TAG) to reflect its growth beyond just dental care into other healthcare verticals, including urgent care (WellNow Urgent Care), medical aesthetics (Chapter), and veterinary care (Lovet Pet Health Care), and dental implant solutions (ClearChoice). Aspen Dental also emphasizes corporate social responsibility. Through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," they have provided free dental care to thousands of veterans and underserved individuals. They are committed to creating sustainable partnerships with charities and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas like reducing inequalities, promoting health and well-being, and enhancing education. The company's leadership is spearheaded by founder and CEO Robert Fontana. Aspen Dental strives to provide a patient-centered experience, offering flexible scheduling, including early, late, and weekend appointments, and aims to provide transparent communication regarding treatment plans and costs.