Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that facilitates the operations of independently owned dental practices across the United States. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, the company's headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. Aspen Dental is a part of The Aspen Group (TAG), which supports over 1,100 locations across various healthcare verticals, including dental care, urgent care, and medical aesthetics. Mission and Vision: Aspen Dental's core mission is to "break down barriers and bring better care to more people." They aim to achieve this by focusing on affordability, transparency, and accessibility of dental services. They also emphasize empowering dentists by providing comprehensive non-clinical support, allowing practitioners to concentrate on patient care. Business Model: Aspen Dental operates on a dental support organization (DSO) model. This means that while individual Aspen Dental offices are independently owned by licensed dentists, Aspen Dental (through TAG) provides a wide range of business and administrative support services. These services include marketing, human resources, accounting, procurement of equipment and supplies, real estate management, and technology implementation. This model aims to reduce the administrative burden on dentists, allowing them to focus on clinical decisions and patient treatment. Services: Aspen Dental offices offer a broad spectrum of general dental services. These typically include: General dentistry (e.g., exams, cleanings, fillings) Emergency dental care Tooth extractions Dentures Dental implants Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers) Orthodontics (e.g., Invisalign) Oral surgery Periodontal disease treatment Accessibility and Locations: With over 1,100 Aspen Dental locations nationwide, the company has a significant presence across 45 states. This extensive network is central to their mission of improving access to dental care for a large population. They also focus on making their website and services accessible to people with disabilities. History and Growth: Since its founding in 1998, Aspen Dental has experienced substantial growth. A key factor in this expansion has been their Practice Ownership Program (POP), launched in 2004, which provides a structured path for dentists to become practice owners with robust business support. This program has enabled the number of practice owners within the Aspen Dental network to more than double over the past decade. In 2021, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. rebranded its parent company to TAG - The Aspen Group, signaling an expansion beyond just dental services into a broader healthcare platform. Patient Experience: Aspen Dental strives to provide a patient-centered experience, focusing on affordability, clear communication, and a judgment-free environment. They offer various financing and savings plan options to help make dental care more accessible. Patient testimonials often highlight the friendly staff, thorough explanations, and the ability to receive immediate or same-day appointments for emergencies.