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There is a national movement in the United States to expand access to affordable and quality oral health services, and that movement is gaining strength.
On December 11, 2018, the ADA’s Dental Health bill was signed into law. The Action for Dental Health Act will allow organizations to qualify for oral health grants to support activities that improve oral health education and dental disease prevention, especially in our most vulnerable populations. Read more about ADA’s initiative and their specific goals here.
On the heals of the passing of this bipartisan bill aimed at increasing access to oral care nationwide, Aspen Dental, the largest and fastest-growing network of branded dental care providers in the U.S., has just opened its first dental clinic in a Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains. Palatka, Florida is the location of this first partnership; a second Aspen Dental at Walgreens location is slated to open in Tampa in the second quarter of 2019.
The collaboration, which marks the first time that in-store dental services will be available to Walgreens customers, reflects Walgreens commitment to transform its stores into neighborhood health destinations that provide a differentiated, consumer-focused experience, while providing access to a broad range of affordable health care services at a trusted and convenient setting.
“Health care continues to evolve as patients demand more choice, greater value, and better access. We’re incredibly excited about this collaboration, which brings together Walgreens, a leader in understanding the intersection of retail and health care, and Aspen Dental, a brand that has made dental care affordable and accessible to millions of patients for more than 20 years.” – Bob Fontana, chairman and chief executive officer of Aspen Dental Management, Inc.
Aspen Dental, founded in 1998 by Bob Fontana, currently has more than 720 Aspen Dental-branded offices across 38 states, and a new location opens every five days.
In 1901 Charles R. Walgreen Sr. purchased the Chicago drugstore where he worked as a pharmacist, and that started the Walgreen chain. Walgreens now employs 240,000 people, operates 9,560 drugstores in all 50 states with approximately 400 Walgreens stores offering healthcare clinics. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day.
Both companies share the desire to make healthcare accessible across the thousands of communities they serve.
“At Aspen Dental, we’re focused on breaking down barriers so that patients can get the care they need, today,” said Dr. Kevon Rennie, Aspen Dental practice owner. “Like Walgreens, we’re committed to creating healthier communities, and my team and I look forward to working together to make dentistry more accessible and affordable here in Palatka.”
Aspen Dental at Walgreens is dedicated to making it easier for patients by offering a full range of dental services, denture, implant and Invisalign® clear aligners. New patients will receive a digital dental health scan to give them a clear understanding into what’s happening inside their mouth, a service that helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
In addition to affordable comprehensive dental care, the new Aspen Dental office will bring:
• Free new patient exams and X-rays for those without insurance,
• An on-site denture lab to facilitate quick turnaround of custom-crafted dentures, repairs, relines or adjustments (on all dentures – not just those purchased at Aspen Dental), as well as a Denture Money Back Guarantee,
• A variety of financing options.
Enjoy a video tour of the Aspen dental office in Walgreens led by dentist owner Dr. Kevon Rennie:
To read other Aspen Dental articles on GDN click HERE.
Sources: ADA, Walgreens, Aspen Dental
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