Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent dental support organization (DSO) in the United States, established in 1998 by Bob Fontana. It operates by providing comprehensive business and administrative support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dental practices across the country. This model allows dentists to focus primarily on patient care while leveraging Aspen Dental's expertise in areas such as marketing, operations, human resources, and procurement. Mission and Values: Aspen Dental's fundamental mission is to increase access to quality dental care for more Americans, particularly those who may face financial barriers or lack a relationship with traditional dental practices. They strive to create an honest, judgment-free environment where patients receive comprehensive care addressing both short-term and long-term dental needs. Their core values revolve around breaking down healthcare barriers, bringing better care to more people, and a commitment to making a positive impact on patients' lives by improving their smiles. Services Offered: Aspen Dental practices offer a wide array of dental services, catering to diverse patient needs. These include: General Dentistry: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and preventative care. Restorative Dentistry: Crowns, bridges, and root canal therapy. Dentures: A key focus, with various options available, often supported by a "Denture Money-back Guarantee." Dental Implants: Solutions for missing teeth, including full mouth dental implants. Specialty Services: Oral surgery (including extractions and wisdom teeth removal), endodontics (root canals), and orthodontics (such as Motto® clear aligners). Emergency Dental Care: Many locations accept walk-ins or offer same-day appointments for urgent needs like tooth extractions. Accessibility and Affordability: A cornerstone of Aspen Dental's approach is to make dental care accessible. This is reflected in: Extensive Network: With over 1,100 locations across 46 states, Aspen Dental aims to be conveniently located for a broad patient base, including in areas sometimes referred to as "dental deserts." Flexible Payment Options: They work with various dental insurance plans and offer financing solutions, including third-party financing and their own Aspen Dental Savings Plan, to help patients manage costs. Extended Hours: Many offices offer later hours to accommodate diverse schedules. Community Involvement: Aspen Dental demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, notably through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement." This program includes: Day of Service: Annual events where hundreds of Aspen Dental practices provide free dental care to U.S. veterans. Smile for Your Service: Local offices sponsoring full treatment plans for select veterans. TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence: A facility that provides free dental care to underserved patients and serves as a training center for dental professionals. History and Growth: Founded in 1998 in New York, Aspen Dental has experienced significant growth. A pivotal aspect of its success has been the "Practice Ownership Program (POP)," launched in 2004, which empowers dentists to become practice owners with the backing of Aspen Dental's support infrastructure. In 2021, The Aspen Group (TAG) was formed as the parent company, expanding beyond dental care to include urgent care, medical aesthetics, and veterinary care, all united by the vision of "bringing better healthcare to more people."