Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive business support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices across the United States. Established in 1998 by Bob Fontana, its core mission revolves around making dental care more accessible, affordable, and transparent for millions of Americans who may face barriers to traditional dental practices. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental operates as a subsidiary of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger healthcare support organization that also includes brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care, and Chapter Aesthetic Studio. This affiliation allows Aspen Dental to leverage a broader network and resources, further strengthening its reach and impact within the healthcare landscape. Aspen Dental-branded practices offer a wide array of dental services, catering to diverse patient needs. These services typically include general dentistry (cleanings, fillings, extractions), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers), restorative dentistry (crowns, bridges, root canals), and more specialized procedures such as dentures and dental implants. They emphasize a patient-centric approach, aiming to provide a comfortable, judgment-free environment for all patients, regardless of their dental history or financial situation. A key aspect of Aspen Dental's operational model is its focus on supporting dental professionals with non-clinical business aspects. This includes services such as accounting, marketing, human resources, payroll administration, real estate management, and procurement. This support allows dentists to concentrate primarily on delivering quality patient care, while the administrative burdens are handled by the DSO. In 2004, Aspen Dental launched its Practice Ownership Program (POP), an initiative that empowers dentists to become practice owners with the backing and support of the Aspen Dental network. This program has significantly grown, with hundreds of dentists now owning their own practices within the Aspen Dental system. Beyond its business model, Aspen Dental is committed to community outreach and improving oral health for underserved populations. A notable initiative is the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which has provided free dental care to thousands of veterans and individuals in need since its inception in 2014. This commitment aligns with their broader vision of "bringing better healthcare to more people." Aspen Dental's growth has been substantial, with over 1,100 locations nationwide, and it continues to expand its footprint, opening new offices regularly. The company strives to make dental care convenient and affordable, offering various financing options and accepting most insurance plans. They also provide their own savings plan for patients without insurance.