How important is nonprofit journalism?

Donate by May 7 and your gift to The Center for Public Integrity will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000.

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 "Connecticut":

"… e pressured to bill more than they might otherwise. Regulators in Georgia, Connecticut and Massachusetts concluded that dentists at Kool Smiles were routinely do …"