Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that provides comprehensive administrative and business support services to a vast network of independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dental practices throughout the United States. Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, the organization's core mission is to make dental care more accessible and affordable for a broader population, particularly those who may have faced financial or other barriers to traditional dentistry. While each Aspen Dental practice is independently owned and operated by a licensed dentist, The Aspen Group (TAG) acts as the parent company, offering a wide array of support. This includes marketing, accounting, billing, human resources, personnel recruiting, procurement of equipment and supplies, real estate management, and the implementation of patient interface platforms. This support model allows the dentists to focus primarily on patient care rather than the complexities of running a business. Aspen Dental offers a comprehensive suite of dental services, catering to a diverse range of oral health needs. These services include routine dental check-ups, cleanings, dental fillings, teeth whitening, dentures, dental implants, oral surgery (such as tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal), root canal therapy, and orthodontic treatments like Motto® clear aligners. They also prioritize emergency dental care, aiming to provide prompt attention for urgent issues. A key aspect of the Aspen Dental model is its commitment to addressing the needs of underserved populations and breaking down barriers to care. They offer flexible appointment scheduling, accept various insurance plans, and provide payment plans and financing options to make dental treatment more attainable. Initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement" further demonstrate this commitment by providing free dental care to U.S. veterans and underserved patients. Aspen Dental also emphasizes continuous education and professional development for the dentists and staff within its network, ensuring high-quality care. Their business model, which has grown to over 1,100 locations, is designed to leverage economies of scale, leading to potentially more competitive pricing for patients and streamlined operations for the practices. This structure aims to provide a consistent and positive patient experience across all locations, focused on compassionate and comprehensive dental solutions.