Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that has established itself as a significant player in the dental industry. Founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana, its core mission revolves around increasing access to quality and affordable dental care for more Americans. While "Aspen Dental" is a recognizable brand, it's crucial to understand that each Aspen Dental-branded practice is independently owned and operated by licensed dentists. Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), now part of The Aspen Group (TAG), provides comprehensive non-clinical business support services to these practices. Business Model and Support Services: Aspen Dental operates on a dental support organization (DSO) model. This means that while dentists maintain full clinical autonomy and responsibility for patient care, ADMI handles the business and administrative aspects of running a dental practice. These support services are extensive and include: Marketing and Advertising: Promoting the Aspen Dental brand and attracting patients. Human Resources: Assisting with recruitment, payroll, and HR management. Operations and Training: Streamlining daily operations and providing training programs for staff. Procurement: Negotiating better rates for equipment, supplies, and laboratory services due to scale. Real Estate Management: Helping with finding and managing practice locations. Technology: Providing access to advanced dental technology and digital systems, including 3D printing, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems, and intraoral scanners. Financial Management: Assisting with budgeting, billing, and patient financing options. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on delivering patient care without the burdens of managing a business, which can be particularly appealing to new graduates or those looking to expand their reach. Practice Ownership Program: A cornerstone of Aspen Dental's success is its "Practice Ownership Program" (POP), launched in 2004. This program provides a structured path for dentists to become practice owners, allowing them to build equity in their own practice with the backing of Aspen Dental's support team. This has significantly contributed to the growth of the network, with the number of practice owners more than doubling in the past decade. Services Offered: Aspen Dental practices offer a wide array of dental services, catering to a broad patient base. These services typically include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventive care. Emergency Dental Care: Addressing urgent dental needs like toothaches, broken teeth, and infections, often with walk-in or same-day appointments. Dentures: A variety of denture options, including immediate and custom-crafted dentures, along with repair and relining services. Dental Implants: Solutions for missing teeth, including single implants and full-mouth dental implants. Oral Surgery: Including tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal. Cosmetic Dentistry: Such as teeth whitening and veneers. Periodontal Disease Treatment: Addressing gum health issues. Accessibility and Affordability: Aspen Dental aims to make dental care accessible and affordable. They often serve individuals who may not have regular access to traditional dental practices or face financial barriers. They work with various insurance plans and offer patient financing options, including partnerships with third-party lenders, to help manage treatment costs. Initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement" and "Day of Service" further demonstrate their commitment to providing free dental care to veterans and underserved populations. Growth and Reach: Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental has grown significantly since its inception, boasting a network of over 1,100 locations across the United States. This expansive network makes it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. The parent company, The Aspen Group (TAG), has also diversified beyond dental care, supporting other healthcare brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, Chapter Aesthetic Studio, and Lovet Pet Health Care. Commitment to Dentists and Patients: Aspen Dental emphasizes a "You 1st" approach, focusing on the professional growth and well-being of its clinicians. They invest in state-of-the-art training facilities, mentorship programs, and continuing education for dentists within their network. This commitment aims to empower providers to deliver high-quality care while creating a positive and supportive environment for both their teams and patients.