Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental, officially known as Aspen Dental Management, Inc., is a prominent American dental support organization (DSO) founded in 1998 in Syracuse, NY, with its headquarters now in Chicago, Illinois. It operates by providing comprehensive business and administrative support services to a vast network of over 1,100 independently owned and operated Aspen Dental-branded dentistry locations across the United States. This model allows dentists to focus on clinical care while the DSO handles aspects like marketing, operations, and training. Aspen Dental's mission is to enhance access to quality, affordable dental care for a broad range of individuals, particularly those who may not have an established relationship with a dental provider or face financial or other barriers to treatment. They achieve this through various initiatives, including accepting most insurance providers, offering flexible financing options (approving 99% of patients who apply through their third-party lenders), and providing a savings plan. Many of their practices are strategically located in "dental deserts" to serve underserved communities. The clinics offer a wide array of dental services, including general dentistry (check-ups, cleanings, fillings), emergency dental care, and specialized treatments such as oral surgery (extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants), endodontics (root canals), and orthodontics (Motto® clear aligners). A significant feature of Aspen Dental practices is the presence of on-site denture labs, facilitating quick repairs and custom denture solutions. Aspen Dental is also known for its community involvement, notably through the "Healthy Mouth Movement," which provides free dental care to veterans and underserved populations. The company champions a "Practice Ownership Program" (POP), empowering dentists to become successful business owners while benefiting from the support of a large, established network. This approach provides dentists with clinical autonomy while offering extensive peer-to-peer and professional support.