Aspen Dental is a prominent American
dental support organization (DSO) that backs independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dentistry locations across numerous states. Founded in 1998, its headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. Aspen Dental's core business model revolves around providing comprehensive non-clinical support services to dental practices. These services include areas such as accounting and bookkeeping, advertising and marketing, human resources, payroll administration, regulatory compliance, procurement of equipment and supplies, real estate management and leasing, and installing patient interface platforms. This structure allows individual dentists to focus primarily on patient care, while Aspen Dental manages the administrative and operational complexities of running a dental practice.
The organization's mission is centered on breaking down barriers to quality
dental care, focusing on affordability, transparency, and accessibility. Aspen Dental aims to serve a broad patient base, including individuals who may not have an existing relationship with a dental provider, or who face financial or other hurdles to accessing care. Many of their locations are strategically placed in areas identified as "dental deserts" to improve access for underserved populations.
Aspen Dental offers a wide array of
dental services, encompassing general dentistry, such as routine check-ups, cleanings,
fillings, and root canals, as well as more specialized treatments. These specialties include
oral surgery (e.g., tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal,
dental implants), endodontics (
root canal therapy), and orthodontics (including their exclusive Motto®
clear aligners). They also provide cosmetic dentistry services like
teeth whitening,
veneers, and
crowns, and are well-known for their expertise in
dentures, offering various types and repair services. Emergency dental care is also a significant offering, addressing urgent issues like severe toothaches, broken teeth, and infections.
A key aspect of Aspen Dental's operational philosophy is its Practice Ownership Program (POP), which provides a structured path for dentists to become practice owners. This program empowers clinicians to build equity in their own practices with the backing of Aspen Dental's support infrastructure. They also emphasize continuous education and development for their dentists, offering ADA CERP-recognized courses and hands-on training.
Aspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger multi-vertical retail healthcare support organization that has expanded beyond dental care to include urgent care, medical aesthetics, and pet healthcare. Through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," Aspen Dental has also demonstrated a commitment to community giving, providing free dental care to veterans and individuals in need. Patient reviews for Aspen Dental are varied, with some praising the accessibility, effective pain management, and the ability to restore smiles, while others express concerns regarding pricing, wait times, or perceived unnecessary treatments.
