Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that provides non-clinical business and administrative support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated dental practices across the United States. Founded in 1998 by Robert Fontana, Aspen Dental has grown to encompass over 1,100 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest groups of branded dental offices globally. The core mission of Aspen Dental is to break down barriers to dental care, focusing on affordability, transparency, and accessibility for patients who may not have a regular dental provider or face financial hurdles. While the individual Aspen Dental practices are independently owned by licensed dentists, ADMI handles the operational aspects such as marketing, staffing, patient billing, insurance negotiations, real estate management, and procurement of equipment and supplies. This DSO model allows dentists to concentrate primarily on patient care, alleviating the burdens of running a small business. Aspen Dental offers a comprehensive suite of dental services to address diverse patient needs. These include general dentistry (e.g., cleanings, fillings, extractions), cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, Motto® clear aligners), and restorative dentistry (e.g., crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants). They are particularly known for their expertise in providing affordable denture and dental implant solutions. The company is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), a multi-vertical retail healthcare support organization that has expanded beyond dental care to include urgent care (WellNow Urgent Care), medical aesthetics (Chapter Aesthetic Studio), and pet healthcare (Lovet Pet Health Care). TAG's overarching goal is to make healthcare more accessible for a wider population. Aspen Dental emphasizes a "You 1st" campaign, highlighting their commitment to clinician development through significant investments in training facilities, mentorship programs, and ongoing education. They aim to foster a supportive environment for their dentists, including a Practice Ownership Program that allows clinicians to build equity in their own practices with expert backing for non-clinical aspects. While some online reviews mention concerns about billing and recommended treatments, Aspen Dental maintains a focus on patient care and transparency, providing comprehensive treatment plans. They also engage in community outreach through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," offering free dental care to veterans and those in need.