Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), is a prominent American Dental support organization founded in 1998 by Robert Fontana. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental operates under The Aspen Group (TAG), which has expanded its reach beyond dentistry into urgent care and other healthcare sectors. Aspen Dental is not a direct dental provider itself, but rather a large-scale support system for a network of approximately 1100 independently owned and licensed Aspen Dental-branded dental offices across 46 states. The core purpose of Aspen Dental's DSO model is to alleviate the administrative burdens on dentists, allowing them to focus primarily on patient care. This includes providing comprehensive support services such as accounting, marketing, human resources, payroll administration, regulatory compliance, procurement of equipment and supplies, real estate management, and patient interface platforms. This centralized support aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity for the individual practices. Aspen Dental practices offer a broad spectrum of dental services, catering to diverse patient needs. These services include general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, exams, fillings), as well as more specialized treatments like Dentures (full, partial, implant-supported), Dental implants, Oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting), endodontics (root canal therapy), and Orthodontics (including their own Motto® clear aligners). They often focus on making Dental care accessible to a wider population, including those who may not have a regular dental provider or who face financial barriers, often locating practices in areas identified as "dental deserts." Aspen Dental is committed to patient education and comfort. New patients can expect a comprehensive oral exam, X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan discussion, including pricing and payment options. They also aim to address dental anxiety and offer various financing solutions and their "Aspen Dental Savings Plan" to help manage costs. Through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," Aspen Dental has also provided significant free dental care to veterans and individuals in need. While their mission is to expand access to dental care, Aspen Dental's reputation has seen mixed reviews. They have faced scrutiny regarding their business practices, particularly concerning treatment recommendations and billing. However, many patient testimonials highlight positive experiences, praising the staff's professionalism, the convenience of appointments, and the quality of care received, especially for emergency situations or complex procedures like implants.