Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that provides business and administrative support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental offices under the Aspen Dental brand. Founded in 1998, the company has grown to over 1,100 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. The core of Aspen Dental's business model is to empower dentists by handling the non-clinical aspects of running a practice, such as marketing, staffing, billing, and insurance negotiations. This allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care. While each Aspen Dental office is independently owned by a licensed dentist, they operate under a common brand and adhere to shared values, aiming to provide accessible and affordable dental solutions. Aspen Dental offers a comprehensive range of dental services, catering to a wide spectrum of patient needs. These services include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and oral health assessments. Restorative Dentistry: Dental crowns, bridges, and root canal therapy. Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding. Specialty Services: Oral surgery (including tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal), dental implants for missing teeth, and orthodontics (primarily through their Motto® clear aligners). Dentures: A wide selection of full and partial dentures, often with on-site labs for quicker turnaround and a money-back guarantee. Emergency Dental Care: Walk-in or same-day appointments for urgent dental issues. Aspen Dental emphasizes patient accessibility and affordability. They often target individuals who may not have an existing relationship with a dental provider or face financial barriers to care. To address this, they offer various payment options, including dental financing, accepting many dental insurance plans, and their own Aspen Dental Savings Plan, which provides discounts on services for an annual fee. Patient reviews often highlight the convenience of scheduling, the range of services available, and the staff's approachability, though some past concerns have been raised regarding billing and treatment recommendations. The Duluth, MN location, specifically, has a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews, with patients appreciating the efficiency and care received.