Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in the dental industry by providing comprehensive business and operational support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices 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 Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, and Chapter Aesthetic Studio. History and Growth: Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana in New York, Aspen Dental emerged from a merger between East Coast Dental and Upstate Dental. Its initial goal was to address the barriers patients and dentists faced in accessing and providing dental care. Over the past 25 years, Aspen Dental has experienced significant growth, expanding to over 1,100 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest branded networks of dental practices globally. A key aspect of their growth strategy has been their Practice Ownership Program (POP), launched in 2004, which empowers dentists to become practice owners with the backing of Aspen Dental's support infrastructure for non-clinical aspects of the business. Mission and Values: Aspen Dental's core mission is to "break down barriers and bring better care to more people." This mission is centered on three key pillars: affordability, transparency, and access. They aim to provide quality, affordable dental care in an honest, judgment-free environment. The organization strives to be a "yes" organization, meaning they work to help patients get the care they need by offering various payment and financing options, and by strategically locating practices in areas with unmet dental needs, often referred to as "dental deserts." Services Offered: Aspen Dental-branded practices offer a comprehensive range of general and specialized dental services. These include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventative care. Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, bridges, and tooth extractions (including emergency extractions). Prosthodontics: Dentures and dental implants (including full-mouth dental implants). Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, and clear aligners (like Motto, their own branded product). Oral Surgery: Including wisdom tooth removal. Periodontal Disease Treatment. Business Model and Accessibility: Aspen Dental operates on a dental support organization (DSO) model. This means that while individual dental practices are independently owned by licensed dentists, Aspen Dental Management Inc. provides the non-clinical support services. These services can include marketing, operations, training, human resources, accounting, procurement of equipment and supplies, and real estate management. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care while benefiting from the efficiencies and resources of a larger organization. Aspen Dental emphasizes making dental care accessible, offering flexible payment plans, accepting various insurance plans, and even providing a savings plan for patients without insurance. They also have a strong focus on patient experience, aiming to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Commitment to the Community: Aspen Dental is involved in community initiatives, notably through their "Healthy Mouth Movement," which offers free dental care to veterans and those in need. This demonstrates their commitment to giving back and extending their mission of accessible dental care to underserved populations.