Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that facilitates and supports a large network of independently owned and operated dental practices across the United States. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, its primary mission is to break down barriers to quality dental care, such as affordability, transparency, and access. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental operates as a subsidiary of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger healthcare support organization that also includes brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers and WellNow Urgent Care. Aspen Dental's model is centered on providing comprehensive business support services to dentists, allowing them to focus primarily on patient care. These services encompass a wide range of administrative functions, including marketing, operations, human resources, payroll, procurement, real estate management, and the implementation of patient interface platforms. This support system enables individual dental practices to operate more efficiently and effectively. The network boasts over 1,100 Aspen Dental locations across 46 states, making it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. This extensive reach significantly enhances access to dental care, particularly in areas identified as "dental deserts" where traditional dental providers may be scarce. Aspen Dental offers a broad spectrum of dental services, addressing both general and specialized needs. These services typically include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and oral health assessments. Emergency Dental Care: Prompt treatment for urgent dental issues. Dentures: A variety of denture solutions, often with associated warranties and money-back guarantees. Dental Implants: Solutions for replacing missing teeth, including single implants and full-mouth options. Cosmetic Dentistry: Procedures like teeth whitening and veneers. Specialty Services: Access to oral surgery (e.g., wisdom teeth removal, extractions), endodontics (root canals), and orthodontics (such as Motto® clear aligners). To make dental care more affordable, Aspen Dental offers various financing options, including third-party lenders (with a high approval rate for patients), an in-house Aspen Dental Savings Plan (offering discounts on services for an annual fee), and acceptance of most dental insurance plans (though they generally do not accept Medicaid). They also run promotions and discounts on specific services and products. Beyond direct patient care, Aspen Dental is actively involved in social impact initiatives. A notable program is the "Healthy Mouth Movement," launched in 2014, which provides free dental care to U.S. veterans and underserved individuals through events like "Day of Service," "Smile for Your Service," and overseas outreach programs. The TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence in Chicago further expands access to free dental care and serves as a training facility for dental professionals. Aspen Dental emphasizes a patient-centric approach, aiming to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment. They also invest in technology, with many offices equipped with digital labs, 3D printing technology, and intraoral scanners to enhance the patient experience and treatment outcomes. The brand's commitment extends to empowering dentists through programs like the Practice Ownership Program, which provides a clear path for clinicians to own their practices with ongoing business support.