Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in the dental industry by providing extensive non-clinical support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded practices across the United States. Established in 1998 by Bob Fontana, the company's foundational mission was to address and overcome common barriers that both patients and dental professionals face in accessing and delivering quality dental care. These barriers often include issues of affordability, transparency in pricing, and convenient access to services. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental operates as a subsidiary of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger multi-vertical retail healthcare support organization. TAG's broader vision is to bring better healthcare to more people, extending beyond dental care to include urgent care, medical aesthetics, and veterinary services. Aspen Dental's comprehensive support model allows independent dentists to focus primarily on patient care by handling various administrative and business aspects. These services include, but are not limited to, accounting and bookkeeping, advertising and marketing, human resources, personnel recruiting, payroll administration, regulatory compliance, procurement of equipment and supplies, real estate management, and installing patient interface platforms. Many Aspen Dental locations also feature on-site dental labs, facilitating faster delivery of services like dentures, implants, crowns, and bridges. The practices supported by Aspen Dental offer a wide array of dental services, including general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry (such as teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding), restorative dentistry (including crowns, bridges, and fillings), orthodontics (notably Motto® clear aligners), oral surgery (including extractions and dental implants), and periodontal disease treatment. Their approach is designed to be patient-friendly, providing an honest and judgment-free environment, and striving to accommodate patients with varying insurance statuses or financial needs. They actively work to increase access to care, particularly in areas identified as "dental deserts" where dental providers are scarce. A key aspect of Aspen Dental's philosophy is its commitment to supporting dental professionals. This is exemplified by their pioneering Practice Ownership Program (POP), launched in 2004, which offers dentists a structured path to practice ownership and the opportunity to build equity in their own practices with robust non-clinical backing. The company also invests heavily in professional development and training, including state-of-the-art facilities like the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence and a strong mentorship program for incoming professionals. Beyond clinical and business operations, Aspen Dental is also known for its community involvement. Initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," launched in 2014, have provided millions of dollars in free dental services to veterans and other individuals in need, underscoring their commitment to public health. With over 1,100 locations nationwide and serving approximately 3.7 million patients annually, Aspen Dental continues to grow, aiming to innovate and make quality dental care accessible to a broader population.