Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that facilitates and supports a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices throughout the United States. Founded in 1998 by Robert Fontana, its headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. Aspen Dental's core mission revolves around breaking down barriers to quality dental care, aiming to make it more accessible and affordable for a broad spectrum of patients. The business model of Aspen Dental involves providing extensive administrative, marketing, operational, and training support services to dental practices that operate under the "Aspen Dental" brand. This allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care, while Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) handles the business aspects, such as scheduling, human resources, accounting, procurement, and technology. Each Aspen Dental-branded practice is independently owned by a licensed dentist, with ADMI licensing the brand name and offering support. Aspen Dental offers a comprehensive array of dental services, including general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), emergency dental care, dentures, dental implants, oral surgery (including wisdom tooth removal), cosmetic dentistry (such as teeth whitening and veneers), and orthodontics (like Invisalign). They strive to be a one-stop solution for various dental needs. A key aspect of Aspen Dental's approach is its focus on patient accessibility and affordability. They often cater to individuals who may not have a regular relationship with traditional dental practices or who face financial barriers to care. To address this, they offer flexible payment options, including third-party financing, an Aspen Dental Savings Plan (not insurance), and partnerships with many insurance providers. Aspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), which is one of the largest retail healthcare business support organizations in the U.S., supporting over 1,300 health and wellness offices across multiple healthcare verticals. Beyond dental, TAG also supports brands in urgent care, medical aesthetics, and pet healthcare. Aspen Dental has also engaged in community initiatives, such as the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which provides free dental care to U.S. veterans and underserved populations. They also operate the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence, which provides free dental care to thousands of underserved patients annually and serves as a training facility for their teams. While the DSO model allows for standardized support and increased access to care, Aspen Dental has faced some scrutiny in the past regarding its business practices, particularly concerning advertising, financing, and patient treatment plans. However, they emphasize their commitment to clinical autonomy for their dentists and aim to provide a high standard of patient experience.