Corporate dental chains see big profits in adults who can't afford care

By David Heath and Jill Rosenbaum

How corporate dentistry mines profits from patients short on cash.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Aspen Dental":

"… chain that promoted steep discounts in its advertisements. She went to an Aspen Dental office just outside Cleveland. Ferritto said Aspen Dental wouldn’t just …"

"… She went to an Aspen Dental office just outside Cleveland. Ferritto said Aspen Dental wouldn’t just pull the teeth but insisted on a complete exam. She was be …"

"… p;four pages long. Total price: $7,835. Ferritto could not afford it, but Aspen Dental signed her up for a special credit card, with monthly payments of $186 for …"

"… of cleanings and two fillings, Ferritto asked her son for help. He called Aspen Dental to complain but said he got nowhere. So they turned to the state Attorney …"

Aspen Dental faces class action suit

By David Heath

11 patients file a class action lawsuit against the corporate dental chain Aspen Dental alleging deception and violating laws in 22 states.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Aspen Dental":

"… he company of illegally practicing medicine. …"

"… and PBS FRONTLINE titled “Dollars and Dentists” reported in June that Aspen Dental’s practice of serving patients who cannot afford a dentist has led to co …"

"… ven unnecessary treatments.The lawsuit brought by 11 patients alleges that Aspen Dental owns and controls its 358 dental clinics in violation of laws in 22 states …"

"… own a dental practice. The lawsuit was filed yesterday in federal court in Aspen Dental’s home state of New York.Aspen Dental said Friday that “the accusation …"

Texas tries to crack down on dental chains that put profits ahead of patients

By David Heath

GOP legislator in Texas says its time to end "outrageous activities" of corporate dental chains.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Aspen Dental":

"… found that two of the largest dental chains owned by private-equity firms, Aspen Dental Management and Kool Smiles, put pressure on its dentists to meet productio …"

"… ealth & Human Services committee.Nelson did not name a specific chain. Aspen Dental does not accept Medicaid and has no offices in Texas. But Kool Smiles has …"

"… alizing in dentures or Medicaid patients. And our investigation found that Aspen Dental and Kool Smiles set revenue targets for each clinic.The push to boost corp …"