Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in the dental industry by providing a wide array of non-clinical support services to independently owned and operated dental practices across the United States. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, Aspen Dental's core mission is to "break down barriers and bring better care to more people." This mission addresses common challenges patients face, such as affordability, transparency, and access to dental services. Aspen Dental operates under a unique business model where individual dental practices are independently owned by licensed dentists, while Aspen Dental (as part of its parent company, The Aspen Group, or TAG) handles the business and administrative aspects. These support services include marketing, human resources, accounting, payroll, regulatory compliance, procurement, and real estate management, allowing dentists to focus primarily on patient care. This DSO model has enabled Aspen Dental to grow significantly, with over 1,100 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. The services offered at Aspen Dental-branded practices are comprehensive and cater to a broad spectrum of dental needs. These include general dentistry (exams, cleanings, fillings), emergency dental care, tooth extractions, dentures (including various types and a money-back guarantee), dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. They emphasize accessibility, often accepting walk-ins for emergencies and working with various insurance plans, or offering savings plans for those without insurance. Aspen Dental also stands out for its "Practice Ownership Program," which provides a structured pathway for dentists to become practice owners, offering mentorship and operational support. This program has contributed significantly to their expansion and commitment to empowering dental professionals. While Aspen Dental has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its business practices and affiliations, the company maintains its focus on patient-centric care and affordability. They are part of The Aspen Group (TAG), which has expanded its reach beyond dental care to include other healthcare segments like urgent care (WellNow Urgent Care), dental implants (ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers), and medical aesthetics (Chapter Aesthetic Studio). This diversification reflects TAG's broader vision to provide accessible healthcare across various specialties.