Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in expanding access to dental care across the United States. Founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana, its core mission has been to break down common barriers to dental health, such as affordability, transparency, and accessibility. While Aspen Dental-branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), now part of The Aspen Group (TAG), provides extensive non-clinical support services. This support includes marketing, operations, human resources, payroll administration, regulatory compliance, procurement, real estate management, and the implementation of patient interface platforms. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care while benefiting from a robust support infrastructure. Aspen Dental offers a comprehensive suite of dental services, catering to a wide array of patient needs. These services include general dentistry (cleanings, fillings, extractions), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers), restorative dentistry (crowns, bridges), and specialized treatments like dentures, dental implants, and orthodontics (including Motto clear aligners). They emphasize immediate and emergency care, often accepting walk-ins for urgent issues. A key aspect of Aspen Dental's approach is its commitment to affordability and patient accessibility. They offer various financial solutions, including an Aspen Dental Savings Plan (not insurance), third-party financing options, and a denture money-back guarantee. Many Aspen Dental practices are strategically located in areas identified as "dental deserts," where there is a significant need for dental providers, further reinforcing their commitment to accessibility. Beyond patient care, Aspen Dental is also known for its "Practice Ownership Program (POP)," launched in 2004. This program provides a structured path for dentists to become practice owners, offering mentorship, operational support, and the opportunity to build equity in their own practices with the backing of a large, experienced organization. This initiative aims to empower dentists and foster professional growth within the Aspen Dental network. Aspen Dental has also engaged in community outreach through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement" and "Day of Service," providing free dental care to U.S. veterans and underserved populations. As of 2021, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. rebranded its parent company to TAG – The Aspen Group, signifying its expansion beyond solely dental care to include other healthcare verticals like urgent care (WellNow Urgent Care), dental implants (ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers), and medical aesthetics (Chapter Aesthetic Studio). This expansion reflects their broader vision of bringing better healthcare to more people by leveraging their successful support organization model across various healthcare segments.