Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc., is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) established in 1998 by Robert Fontana. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it supports a vast network of over 1,100 independently owned dental practices operating under the Aspen Dental brand across the United States. The core mission of Aspen Dental is to enhance access to dental care, particularly for individuals who may not have a regular dental provider or face financial and other barriers to receiving treatment. Aspen Dental functions as a clinic model rather than an individual practice, though the individual Aspen Dental practices are independently owned by licensed dentists. This means that while dentists retain clinical autonomy, Aspen Dental, as the DSO, provides comprehensive support services. These services encompass a wide array of non-clinical functions, including marketing, operations, human resources, compliance, and training. This structured support allows dentists to concentrate primarily on delivering patient care, alleviating the administrative burdens typically associated with running a private practice. Their service offerings are extensive, covering general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, clear aligners like Motto®), and a variety of specialty services. These specialties include oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants), endodontics (root canals), and orthodontics. Aspen Dental also provides emergency dental care for issues like toothaches, broken teeth, and gum infections, and offers comprehensive denture services, including new dentures, replacements, repairs, and relines. Aspen Dental is known for its "Healthy Mouth Movement," a community initiative providing free dental care to veterans and underserved populations. The company has a structured "Practice Ownership Program" that enables dentists to become practice owners within the Aspen Dental network, fostering professional growth and an entrepreneurial spirit with the backing of the DSO's support system. While reviews vary, many patients appreciate the convenience, comprehensive services, and the ability to address diverse dental needs under one roof, often citing positive experiences with staff and specialized treatments.