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Aspen Dental Recognized on TIME's 2026 Best Private Companies List

Aspen Dental® has achieved a significant milestone by being named to TIME's inaugural list of America's Best Private Companies for 2026, securing the 195th position among 500 outstanding private entities across the nation. Notably, it stands out as the sole dental services organization featured in this prestigious list. This recognition, developed in collaboration with Statista, evaluates companies based on two key dimensions: employee satisfaction and the broader societal impact they have.

The evaluation process encompassed feedback from approximately 217,000 employees in various U.S. companies, collected over the last three years. This robust data reflects Aspen Dental’s dedication to creating a fulfilling workplace where its team members can thrive and be empowered.

Jacob Allen, the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Aspen Group, expressed that this recognition highlights the belief that exceptional patient care begins with exceptional staff. "Our mission focuses on bringing better care to a wider audience, and achieving that requires cultivating an environment where our team members can grow and succeed. By investing in significant training and providing clear pathways for advancement, we're committed to building lasting careers, which directly enhances patient experiences," Allen stated.

Central to Aspen Dental's philosophy is the establishment of The Aspen Group University (TAG U), based in Chicago. This initiative provides a comprehensive onboarding process, ongoing clinical development, leadership coaching, and hands-on education for employees throughout their careers. Furthermore, the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence enhances clinical training and expands access to care for underserved individuals, illustrating the company’s commitment to both its team and the wider community.

Importantly, Aspen Dental also champions a unique pathway to practice ownership through the Practice Ownership Program (POP). Each practice within the network is operated by a licensed dentist, reinforcing Aspen Dental’s commitment to clinical autonomy while also offering business support, advanced technology, and operational resources designed to help practitioners deliver high-quality patient care.

Dr. Arwinder Judge, the Chief Clinical Officer at the organization, affirmed, "Patients deserve care they can trust. When our doctors are encouraged to continue learning and can make clinical decisions based on individual patient needs, they provide the high-quality, compassionate care every patient deserves. Therefore, any investments made in our clinicians represent an investment in better patient outcomes."

Moreover, Aspen Dental's focus on community extends to initiatives like the Healthy Mouth Movement, which has been serving veterans and other patients in need since 2014. With over 30,000 veterans receiving treatment and more than $28 million in donated care to date, these efforts continue to reflect the company’s commitment to giving back. The next ‘Day of Service’, an initiative aimed at providing free dental care, is scheduled for November.

In 2026, the organization expanded its community service commitments with a new five-year pledge, promising to deliver up to $100 million in donated care and services nationwide. This dual commitment of investing in its people while also contributing meaningfully to community health is exactly what the new TIME ranking sought to measure.

Aspen Dental’s inclusion on this list underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering an outstanding experience for its employees and the patients they serve. Through its focus on team member investment and dedication to clinical excellence, Aspen Dental is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing superior care across communities in need.

For those interested in career opportunities within Aspen Dental, more information can be found on their careers page at careers.aspendental.com.

About Aspen Dental

Aspen Dental is part of The Aspen Group (TAG), dedicated to overcoming barriers to oral healthcare and assisting patients in prioritizing their health. With nearly 1,100 Aspen Dental practices located throughout the U.S., the organization focuses on providing comprehensive care through dedicated teams aimed at making dental services more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, by running initiatives like the Healthy Mouth Movement and organizing Day of Service events, Aspen Dental remains committed to expanding necessary dental care to the most underserved.

For additional details, please visit aspendental.com or follow Aspen Dental on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About The Aspen Group (TAG)

The Aspen Group (TAG) was conceptualized with the aim of enhancing healthcare access for more individuals. Supporting over 1,400 locations across 46 states, TAG manages five consumer healthcare brands: Aspen Dental®, ClearChoice Dental Implant Center®, WellNow Urgent Care®, Chapter Aesthetic Studio℠, and Lovet Pet Health Care. TAG's commitment to its workforce involves significant investments in training, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities throughout its network. To learn more, visit teamtag.com.