#USA #Chicago #Aspen Dental #Healthy Mouth Movement #Decade of Smiles

Aspen Dental: A Decade of Transforming Lives

Aspen Dental® is celebrating a remarkable ten-year journey of making a significant impact on dental care accessibility through its social initiatives, most notably the Healthy Mouth Movement. Since its inception in 2014, the organization has dedicated efforts towards improving oral health for underserved populations across the United States and beyond.

With the ambition to eliminate barriers to dental access, Aspen Dental has successfully provided free dental care to over 30,000 individuals, including veterans, who often face challenges in obtaining necessary dental treatments. This milestone emphasizes the company’s long-standing commitment to community health and wellness.

Bob Fontana, the chairman and CEO of The Aspen Group, highlights how the organization was built on the principle of breaking down accessibility barriers: "Since day one, Aspen Dental practices have been 'yes' organizations, breaking down barriers so patients can access the care they so desperately need."

The Birth of the Healthy Mouth Movement

The Healthy Mouth Movement was born out of a recognition of the specific needs of our veterans, a group long deserving of quality healthcare. This initiative has undergone remarkable evolution over the years. To commemorate their decade of service, Aspen Dental has launched the Decade of Smiles initiative, offering veterans in ten selected communities complimentary, comprehensive smile makeovers.

From the initial concept of the Aspen Dental MouthMobile—a 42-foot mobile dental clinic that traversed over 150,000 miles—to the more recent programs like Day of Service and Smile for Your Service, the organization continuously strives to meet the changing oral health needs of the communities it serves. The recent opening of the TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence in Chicago accentuates this promise, providing free dental care and contributing over $10 million in services within just two years.

Highlighting Key Initiatives

Let’s spotlight some of the signature programs that reflect the essence of the Healthy Mouth Movement:

• - Day of Service: An annual nationwide event where numerous Aspen Dental locations open their doors to provide free dental services to U.S. veterans, exemplifying community spirit and giving back.

• - Smile for Your Service: This initiative covers the complete dental treatment of select veterans, enabling them to restore their oral health and enhance their overall quality of life without financial burden.

• - Overseas Outreach: Teams from Aspen Dental venture globally, delivering not only free dental care but also education in communities where dental health resources are scarce.

• - TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence: This innovative facility represents a pioneering step by offering state-of-the-art, comprehensive dental care at no cost to underserved residents in Illinois.

• - Aspen Dental MouthMobile: A mobile solution that has played an essential role in delivering care to veterans and other underserved populations, illustrating a commitment to outreach and access.

Looking Ahead

As Aspen Dental enters its second decade of impactful service, Fontana emphasizes a vision of growth and innovation: "As we move into our second decade, we're reimagining the future of this program to make an even bigger difference while staying true to the mission that has driven us from the start."

To engage with the ongoing efforts of the Healthy Mouth Movement or to learn more, visit Aspen Dental's official website. Aspen Dental remains a pioneer in not only providing quality dental care but also ensuring that care is accessible, transforming the smiles and lives of many in need.

About Aspen Dental

Founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, Aspen Dental began with a vision to break down the barriers between dental care providers and patients. Fast forward more than 25 years, and Aspen Dental has grown into the largest group of branded dental practices in the United States. Today, with over 1,000 locations nationwide, the company's mission persists—delivering better dental care across communities. For further information, check out their offerings at aspendental.com.