Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) established in 1998. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental provides comprehensive non-clinical support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dental practices across 46 states in the U.S. These services include marketing, human resources, payroll, regulatory compliance, procurement, real estate management, and patient interface platforms, allowing dentists to focus primarily on patient care. The organization's founding principle was to address common barriers to dental care, such as affordability, transparency, and access, particularly for individuals who may not have an existing relationship with a dental provider or face financial hurdles. Aspen Dental locations are often strategically placed in areas identified as "dental deserts" to improve access to care. Aspen Dental offers a wide spectrum of dental services, catering to diverse patient needs. These include general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, clear aligners like Motto®), and specialized services such as dentures (full, partial, implant-supported, and repairs), dental implants, oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting), and endodontics (root canal therapy). They emphasize providing a comprehensive approach, aiming to offer multiple dental specialties under one roof. Aspen Dental operates under a unique business model that empowers dentists to become practice owners through its Practice Ownership Program (POP), launched in 2004. This program provides a structured pathway for clinicians to achieve practice ownership with the backing of Aspen Dental's extensive support infrastructure. As of late 2024, there were hundreds of Aspen Dental practice owners within their network. Aspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger retail healthcare business support organization that has expanded beyond dental care to include urgent care, medical aesthetics, and pet healthcare services under brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, Chapter Aesthetic Studio, and Lovet Pet Health Care. While Aspen Dental aims to make dental care accessible, it has faced scrutiny and investigations in the past regarding its business practices, including allegations of overcharging and unnecessary treatments. However, the company continues to expand its reach, focusing on its mission to provide better dental care to more people nationwide. Patient testimonials on their website often highlight positive experiences related to pain management, transparent pricing (in some cases), and the overall helpfulness and friendliness of the staff.