Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc., is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. It operates by providing comprehensive administrative, marketing, operations, and training support services to over 1100 independently owned and licensed dental offices across the United States. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care, while Aspen Dental handles the business aspects of the practice. Aspen Dental-branded locations are designed to cater to individuals who may not have an existing relationship with a dental provider or face financial and other barriers to accessing dental care. They often strategically locate practices in "dental deserts" – areas with a significant need for dental providers. The range of services offered by Aspen Dental practices is extensive and includes: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and oral health education. Emergency Dental Care: Addressing toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, loosened or knocked-out teeth, and bleeding or swollen gums. Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Dentures: A variety of denture options, including full, partial, and implant-supported dentures, along with repair and relining services. Specialty Services: Oral surgery (including extractions and wisdom teeth removal), endodontics (root canal therapy), and orthodontics (Motto® clear aligners). Aspen Dental also focuses on affordability and accessibility. They accept most major dental insurance providers and offer various financing options through third-party lenders, as well as their own Aspen Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance. They do not accept Medicaid. Aspen Dental has initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which provides free dental care to veterans and underserved populations. While Aspen Dental aims to provide accessible and comprehensive care, patient experiences and reviews can be mixed. Some patients praise the convenience, range of services, and payment options, as well as the immediate attention given during emergencies. However, some common criticisms include concerns about billing practices, long wait times, and suggestions of unnecessary treatments being recommended. Like many large dental organizations, the patient experience can vary between individual locations and practitioners.