Detailed Introduction
Aspen Dental is an extensive network of dental practices spread across the United States, operating under the umbrella of Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI). Founded in 1998, their core mission is to make quality dental care more accessible and affordable for a broad spectrum of patients, particularly those who may not have a regular dental provider or face financial barriers to care. Although each Aspen Dental location is independently owned and operated by licensed dentists who maintain clinical autonomy, ADMI offers substantial administrative, marketing, and operational support. This business model allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care while the corporate entity handles many of the management aspects of running a dental office.
Aspen Dental clinics provide a wide array of dental services designed to meet diverse oral health needs. These services include general dentistry such as routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays. Beyond general care, they specialize in various treatments, including dentures (offering multiple styles and an on-site lab for quicker service, along with a money-back guarantee), dental implants, clear aligners (Motto®), tooth extractions, oral surgery (including wisdom teeth removal and bone grafting), and endodontic treatments (root canals). They also offer emergency dental services, often accommodating walk-ins and same-day appointments for urgent needs.
A notable aspect of Aspen Dental's operations is their commitment to community initiatives. The "Healthy Mouth Movement" is one such program, where hundreds of Aspen Dental practices and their mobile dental unit, the MouthMobile, provide free dental care to underserved populations, particularly U.S. veterans. They also emphasize transparent treatment plans and financial options, working with various insurance providers and offering a savings plan for patients without dental insurance. While they have faced some criticism regarding the corporate nature of their model and perceptions of upselling, Aspen Dental aims to provide comprehensive care and support for patients seeking various dental solutions.