Aspen Dental's Commitment to Veterans and Underserved Communities
Aspen Dental has unveiled its ambitious plan aimed at providing up to
$100 million in donated dental care over the next five years, highlighting the importance of accessible oral health services. To mark this initiative, the company will host its signature
Day of Service on
November 7, 2026, where participating offices across the nation will offer free dental care specifically for veterans.
This significant event coincides with America's 250th anniversary, underscoring Aspen Dental's dedication not only to oral health but also to honoring those who have served the country. Given that only about
one in four veterans qualify for dental benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this initiative addresses a crucial gap in healthcare access for many veterans.
Building on a Legacy of Care
Founded nearly
30 years ago, Aspen Dental has always operated under the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to receive quality oral care, regardless of their economic status or geographic location. The upcoming
Day of Service is envisioned as the launchpad for expanding their ongoing
Healthy Mouth Movement, aimed at addressing oral health disparities across the U.S.
Bob Fontana, the chairman and CEO of The Aspen Group and founder of Aspen Dental, articulated the company's commitment: "As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're making a commitment that matches the scale of the need and builds a legacy of serving those who have served our country."
This five-year effort will be directed towards comprehensive care programs at the
TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence, local partnerships, and initiatives designed to promote oral health within communities. The hope is to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of underserved patients, especially veterans, by providing essential oral healthcare services.
The Impact of Day of Service
Over the past years, Aspen Dental has successfully conducted the
Day of Service, providing significant assistance to veterans in need. Since its inception in
2014, this initiative has affected more than
30,000 veterans, delivering over
$28 million in free dental services. The event has required substantial volunteer hours, with team members dedicating over
21,000 hours to serve their communities.
Dr. Arwinder Judge, chief clinical officer at Aspen Dental, noted, "Day of Service has always been about more than dentistry. It's about recognizing sacrifice, restoring dignity, and giving teams an opportunity to serve those who have served us. Bringing it back as the nation marks its 250th anniversary makes the moment even more meaningful."
On
November 7, offices across the U.S. will again open their doors to provide critical dental care at no cost to veterans. Leading up to this date, stories will be shared highlighting the transformative effects of access to dental care on the lives of veterans and showcasing the dedicated efforts of Aspen Dental professionals.
Registration for Services
Veterans interested in receiving care are encouraged to register online at
AspenDental.com/DayofService. With schedules opening up late September, early registration is advised, as appointments are expected to fill up quickly.
About Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental-branded practices operate nearly
1,100 offices across the United States. The organization's primary mission is to dismantle barriers to oral healthcare, making it more affordable and accessible to everyone. Through their programs, including the
Healthy Mouth Movement and
Day of Service, Aspen Dental continues to impact communities across the nation positively.
For further details, visit
aspendental.com, and follow Aspen Dental on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.