California Attorney General Signals Increased Enforcement of Dental Advertising Rules

A recent settlement in May 2026 between the California Attorney General and Aspen Dental serves as a reminder that California is taking a closer look at how dental practices advertise their services. Additionally, the settlement is part of California’s broader enforcement effort to ensure that private equity firms and management companies comply with the state’s corporate practice restrictions and do not interfere with the independent professional judgment of licensed healthcare providers.

This post is part of our Dental Bytes eNewsletter 2026 series.

The Case

The Attorney General alleged that Aspen Dental used misleading advertising and exercised too much control over the clinical operations of affiliated dental offices, in violation of the California Dental Practice Act (DPA). The settlement alleged violations of the DPA’s prohibition against the corporate practice of dentistry as well as the DPA’s false advertising laws. According to the Attorney General, Aspen Dental exceeded the permissible role of a dental support organization (DSO) by exercising too much control over affiliated dental practices and published advertisements that could mislead consumers. Without admitting wrongdoing, Aspen Dental agreed to pay $2 million in penalties, provide $300,000 in restitution to certain patients, and make significant changes to its business practices.

Regulatory Reminder

While the case involved a large DSO, the message applies to all California dental practices. DSOs and all owners of dental practices should ensure that advertisements, websites, and social media accurately describe the services provided, identify the licensed practice responsible for patient care, and avoid statements that could mislead patients. The settlement also reinforces California’s long-standing prohibition against non-dentists influencing clinical decision-making.

About OSHA Review, Inc.
OSHA Review, Inc. has been helping dental practices navigate compliance since 1991. We provide plain-language guidance on OSHA, HIPAA, and state dental regulations so your team stays safe, compliant, and focused on patient care. Learn more at oshareview.com.

This post is part of the Dental Bytes eNewsletter 2026 series.