Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent brand in the U.S. dental care landscape, operating as a large network of independently owned and operated dental practices. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana with the goal of making dental care more accessible, Aspen Dental has grown significantly to include over 1,100 locations across 46 states. The brand is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), which has expanded beyond dental care to include urgent care, medical aesthetics, and veterinary care. Mission and Values: Aspen Dental's core mission revolves around breaking down barriers to dental care, ensuring that more people have access to necessary treatments. They strive to provide a judgment-free, honest, and compassionate environment for patients. Key values include making a difference in people's lives through improved smiles, being human-centric by actively listening and creating meaningful connections, and delivering on their brand promise with passion and commitment. Services Offered: Aspen Dental offices offer a wide range of general and specialized dental services. These typically include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventative care. Dentures: A significant focus of Aspen Dental, they offer various styles of full and partial dentures, often with on-site denture labs for faster service and adjustments. They also provide a money-back guarantee on dentures. Dental Implants: Single tooth implants and implant-supported dentures. Oral Surgery: Extractions and other surgical procedures. Cosmetic Dentistry: Including teeth whitening and Motto® clear aligners, their proprietary clear aligner product. Periodontal Treatment: Addressing gum health. Accessibility and Patient Experience: Aspen Dental is committed to improving access to dental care by offering conveniently located offices, extended hours, and accepting most insurance plans, as well as providing various financial options for those without insurance. The patient experience is designed to be convenient and supportive, aiming to alleviate the fear and anxiety often associated with dental visits. While many patient reviews highlight positive experiences with friendly staff, efficient service, and successful outcomes, some express concerns regarding billing practices or treatment recommendations. The brand has an accessibility statement, working to make its website usable by all, including those with disabilities. History and Growth: Since its inception in Greece, New York, in 1998, Aspen Dental has experienced rapid expansion. A pivotal moment was the introduction of their Practice Ownership Program (POP) in 2004, which empowers dentists to become business owners with the support of TAG's non-clinical services. This model has fueled significant growth, enabling them to open a new office every three days on average. In 2021, Aspen Dental Management rebranded its parent company to TAG – The Aspen Group, signifying its broader reach across various healthcare sectors. Community Involvement: Aspen Dental demonstrates a strong commitment to social impact through its "Healthy Mouth Movement," launched in 2014. This initiative focuses on providing free dental care to underserved individuals and veterans across the U.S. Key programs include: Day of Service: A nationwide event where Aspen Dental practices offer free dental care to U.S. veterans. Smile for Your Service: Local offices sponsor a veteran's entire treatment plan. TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence: A state-of-the-art facility in Chicago providing free, comprehensive dental care to underserved Illinois residents. Aspen Dental MouthMobile: A mobile dental clinic that traveled nationwide to provide care. These initiatives have collectively delivered millions of dollars in free dental services and positively impacted tens of thousands of lives.