Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is a prominent brand in the dental industry, known for its extensive network of dental offices across the United States. It operates under a Dental Support Organization (DSO) model, meaning that while the individual Aspen Dental branded practices are independently owned and operated by licensed dentists, Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (now part of The Aspen Group, or TAG) provides a wide array of non-clinical support services. These services include accounting, marketing, human resources, payroll, regulatory compliance, procurement, and real estate management. This model aims to alleviate the administrative burden on dentists, allowing them to concentrate primarily on delivering patient care. Aspen Dental's mission is to break down barriers to dental health, focusing on affordability, transparency, and accessibility. They target individuals who may not have an existing relationship with a dental provider or face financial and other obstacles to care, often situating clinics in areas identified as "dental deserts." The range of services offered at Aspen Dental offices is comprehensive, covering general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and various specialties. These services include routine dental checkups, cleanings, fillings, teeth whitening, dental crowns, bridges, root canals, oral surgery (including extractions and wisdom teeth removal), periodontal disease treatment, and dental implants. They also offer clear aligners, specifically their proprietary Motto® clear aligners, for teeth straightening. Many locations boast on-site labs and offer same-day appointments, enhancing convenience for patients. Patient reviews for Aspen Dental are mixed but often highlight convenience, accessibility (with numerous locations and flexible hours), friendly staff, and various financing options. They aim for transparent pricing and offer free initial exams for new patients without insurance, making dental care more attainable. However, some criticisms have been raised regarding perceived aggressive upselling of services, billing and insurance discrepancies, and potential inconsistencies in the quality of care between different franchised locations. Aspen Dental states they encourage full transparency with patients and provide comprehensive treatment plans. Overall, Aspen Dental positions itself as a solution for accessible and affordable dental care, with a nationwide presence and a focus on supporting its independent dentists to provide a broad spectrum of dental treatments.