Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing comprehensive business and administrative support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices. These practices operate under the "Aspen Dental" brand name across the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental's parent company is The Aspen Group (TAG), which also supports other healthcare brands like ClearChoice, WellNow, and Chapter. Mission and Vision: Aspen Dental's core mission, since its founding in 1994 by Robert Fontana, has been to "break down barriers and bring better care to more people." This is achieved by focusing on accessibility, affordability, and transparency in dental care. They aim to serve individuals who may not have regular access to traditional dentistry practices or who face financial challenges in obtaining necessary dental treatment. The organization strives to create an honest and judgment-free environment where patients feel safe, cared for, and listened to. Business Model: Aspen Dental operates on a dental support organization (DSO) model. This means that while individual Aspen Dental practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) provides a wide range of non-clinical support services. These services include: Marketing and Advertising: Attracting new patients and building brand awareness. Practice Management: Helping with the day-to-day operations of a dental office. Human Resources and Payroll: Managing staff and administrative tasks. Procurement: Sourcing equipment and supplies efficiently. Real Estate Management: Assisting with office locations and leases. Training and Education: Providing professional development for dental teams. Financial Services: Offering financing options for patients and support for practices. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on delivering patient care, while Aspen Dental handles the complexities of running the business side of a dental practice. Services Offered: Aspen Dental-branded practices offer a wide array of general and specialized dental services, aiming to be a "one-stop shop" for patients' oral health needs. These services include: General Dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings) Emergency Dental Care Dentures (various types and options) Dental Implants Tooth Extractions Cosmetic Dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers) Orthodontics (Invisalign) Oral Surgery Periodontal Disease Treatment They also provide flexible payment options, including dental financing plans and acceptance of most insurance providers, to make care more affordable. Growth and Impact: Since its inception, Aspen Dental has experienced significant growth. From 33 locations in 2000, it has expanded to over 1,100 locations across 46 states, serving more than 8 million patients annually. The company's expansion strategy primarily involves building new offices from the ground up, rather than acquiring existing practices. Aspen Dental also emphasizes social impact through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which has provided free dental care to thousands of underserved individuals and U.S. veterans. Programs like "Day of Service" and "Smile for Your Service" demonstrate their commitment to giving back to communities and increasing access to care for those in need. The TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence further provides free dental care to underserved patients and offers training facilities for Aspen Dental team members. In summary, Aspen Dental is a large and growing dental support organization committed to making quality dental care accessible and affordable across the United States, empowering independent dentists through comprehensive business support, and serving communities through its social impact initiatives.