Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) that provides comprehensive business and administrative support to independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dental practices across the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aspen Dental was founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana with the core mission of making quality dental care more accessible and affordable for a wider population. It operates as a subsidiary of The Aspen Group (TAG), a larger healthcare support organization that also includes other brands like ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers and WellNow Urgent Care. Mission and Philosophy: At its heart, Aspen Dental aims to break down the traditional barriers that prevent individuals from accessing dental care, such as affordability concerns, lack of transparency, and limited access to providers. The organization focuses on serving patients who may not have a regular relationship with traditional dental practices or face financial hurdles. Their philosophy centers on providing Patient-centered care in an honest, judgment-free environment, ensuring that both short-term and long-term dental needs are addressed. They emphasize listening to patients' concerns and creating a comfortable atmosphere. Services Offered: Aspen Dental-supported practices offer a wide array of general dentistry services, including: Preventive Care: Cleanings, exams, and Oral health education. Restorative Dentistry: fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal. Dentures and Implants: Comprehensive solutions for tooth replacement, with a strong focus on Dental implants. Cosmetic Dentistry: teeth whitening, veneers, and clear aligners (Motto Clear Aligners). Periodontal Disease Treatment. Many Aspen Dental practices are strategically located in "dental deserts," areas with a high need for dental providers, further reinforcing their commitment to accessibility. Growth and Reach: Since its founding, Aspen Dental has experienced significant growth. It has expanded to over 1,100 locations across 46 states, serving millions of patients annually. This expansion is often driven by a de novo strategy, meaning they build new offices from the ground up rather than acquiring existing practices. The company supports over 20,000 healthcare professionals and team members. Technology and Innovation: Aspen Dental-supported practices leverage advanced Dental technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment. This includes digital X-ray technology for improved imaging and reduced radiation exposure, and intraoral cameras for detailed examination and patient education. They also invest in training and development initiatives, such as the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence, which provides advanced training in areas like implant therapy. They have also integrated virtual smile design technology to involve patients in their treatment planning. Community Involvement: A significant aspect of Aspen Dental's commitment to improving oral health is its community involvement. Through initiatives like the "Healthy Mouth Movement," launched in 2014, Aspen Dental dentists and teams provide free dental care and oral health education to underserved individuals, particularly veterans. They also participate in overseas outreach programs, sending teams of dental professionals to provide care in countries in need. These efforts underscore their dedication to making a broader impact beyond their clinics. Practice Ownership Program: Aspen Dental has a unique Practice Ownership Program (POP), celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. This program empowers dentists to become successful business owners by providing them with a structured path to practice ownership and support for non-clinical aspects of the business. This model has contributed significantly to the growth of the Aspen Dental network and offers career development opportunities for dentists.