Beyond clinical training, TAG U equips dentists with the leadership and practice management tools needed for long-term success and career growth
Case in Point: Support at Every Step
Before participating in the Aspen Dental Doctor Learning Journey, Dr. Lazaro Tobias was seeking support in several areas, including managing multiple operatories effectively, improving the new patient experience, and developing strong leadership skills.
“The program was thoughtfully structured in stages, with the first month placing a strong emphasis on clinical flow and operatory management, and then shifting focus to the interpersonal side of dentistry, including team leadership and communication,” said Dr. Tobias, an Aspen Dental provider in San Antonio, TX. “Each phase directly addressed the challenges I was facing at the time and provided practical tools and insights that helped me grow both clinically and professionally.”
With TAG U, Dr. Tobias can hone his communication skills through role-playing exercises in a supportive, judgment-free environment. “It’s evident that the content is carefully designed to meet doctors where they are in their professional journey,” he added.
Mirroring the Demands of Modern Dentistry
Every dentist has their own learning style, and not everyone will respond to the same approach. With TAG U, there’s no one-size-fits-all. From lectures and simulations to small groups and hands-on workshops, there is truly something for everyone in the practice.
“Our learning structure is unique because it mirrors the demands of modern dentistry,” Stangel noted. “This creates a dynamic, fl exible learning experience while still offering the 1-on-1 mentorship and peer support that clinicians crave. It’s education built for how people actually learn and grow today.”
Divided into 4 Schools of Excellence, TAG U ensures dentists, hygienists, assistants, and practice managers followa relevant learning path tailored to their unique responsibilities and career goals.
“What I liked best about TAG U was how user-friendly and engaging the courses were,” explained Chicago native Dr. Mansour Mohammed, a managing clinical director in Lockport, IL. “The content was easy to navigate and understand, which made learning feel approachable, even when tackling more complex topics. It made continuing education feel exciting and manageable.”
From New Grad to Business Owner
Aspen Dental recently celebrated 20 years of its pioneering Practice Ownership Program, which offers clinicians a structured, clear path to practice ownership, as well as an opportunity to build equity in their practice while receiving support in nonclinical areas of the business. In the last decade, the number of practice owners within the Aspen Dental network has more than doubled.
“We’ve seen over and over how this kind of development not only improves retention and confidence but also prepares doctors to take on leadership roles much earlier in their careers,” Stangel shared. “It’s about building a foundation for long-term success—not just clinical proficiency, but professional fulfillment."
