Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing comprehensive business and non-clinical support to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, its roots trace back to a merger between East Coast Dental and Upstate Dental. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), which also supports other healthcare brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, and Chapter Aesthetic Studio. The core mission of Aspen Dental is to "break down barriers" that hinder patients from accessing dental care, specifically focusing on affordability, transparency, and accessibility. This is achieved by empowering independent dentists to focus on patient care while Aspen Dental handles the operational and administrative aspects of running a practice. These support services include accounting, marketing, human resources, payroll, real estate management, procurement, and patient interface platforms. Aspen Dental has experienced significant growth since its inception, expanding from a few dozen locations in the late 1990s to over 1,100 offices across 45 states in the United States. This expansion is largely driven by their unique Practice Ownership Program (POP), launched in 2004, which provides a structured path for dentists to own their practices with the backing of Aspen Dental's support system. This model has enabled hundreds of dentists to become successful business owners while delivering care. The services offered by Aspen Dental-branded practices cover a wide spectrum of general and specialized dental needs. These include, but are not limited to, routine dental check-ups, cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. They also focus on emergency dental care and aim to provide affordable options, often working with various insurance providers and offering flexible financing plans, including their own Aspen Dental Savings Plan. Aspen Dental is committed to innovation, leveraging technology in its operations and supporting its dentists in adopting advanced dental techniques. Beyond their core services, Aspen Dental also engages in community outreach. For example, through their "Healthy Mouth Movement," they have provided free dental care to thousands of veterans and individuals in need. Aspen Dental's business model addresses a critical need in the healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals who might face financial barriers or lack a consistent relationship with traditional dental practices. By providing a streamlined and supported framework for dental professionals, Aspen Dental contributes to broader access to quality oral healthcare across the nation.