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Dental Studies | Clinical Links to Alzheimer's & Dementia

 Here are several high-quality studies linking dental /oral health to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline: 🧠 1. Periodontitis & Brain Imaging Markers of Alzheimer's A study involving 468 participants from the WHICAP cohort found that clinical signs of gum disease correlated with MRI markers typical of Alzheimer’s and cognitive aging.  Researchers propose that chronic inflammation from periodontitis may contribute to brain changes over time. 2. Umbrella Review: Oral Health & Dementia This comprehensive review of eight systematic studies confirmed consistent associations between poor oral health —like plaque buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease—and worsened cognition in dementia patients. The link is largely attributed to systemic inflammation from oral pathogens. 3. Longitudinal Tooth Loss Study in Taiwan A 2025 clinical study in Taiwan examined older adults across Alzheimer's spectrum stages (subjective decline to AD). Results showed that losin...
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Welcome Dr. Noah Barrett | LADD Dental Group of Logansport

 At LADD Dental Group , we are beyond excited and deeply grateful to welcome Dr. Noah Barrett to our growing dental family! Dr. Barrett is a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated dental professional who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to excellence in patient care. He is a proud graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine , Class of 2023. Following dental school, Dr. Barrett further honed his clinical skills and broadened his scope of care by completing a PGY-1 General Practice Residency (GPR) at the Malcom Randall Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center . This experience provided him with invaluable training in treating medically complex patients, working with specialists, and delivering comprehensive dental care in a collaborative, hospital-based setting. Dr. Barrett strongly believes in delivering the highest-quality dental care to each and every patient. His approach is centered around respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to ...

Delta Dental of Wisconsin Acquires a DSO | What This Means for Dentistry

 In one of the most talked-about dental developments of 2025, Delta Dental of Wisconsin has acquired the dental support organization (DSO) Cherry Tree Dental, with over 40 affiliated practices —a move that is sending ripples through the industry. As one of the nation’s largest regional dental insurers takes its first step into practice ownership, it raises critical questions about the future of clinical autonomy, competition, and the evolving relationship between providers and payers. 🏢 A Payer-Owned DSO? Here's What Happened Delta Dental of Wisconsin, known for providing dental benefits to millions of Americans, purchased a mid-sized regional DSO operating across several states in the Midwest . This move marks a strategic shift toward vertical integration —where the insurer is no longer just processing claims, but now directly controlling patient treatment through clinic ownership . This isn't just a business deal. It's a redefining moment in dentistry . 🔍 What ...

Dr. Noah Barrett | Welcome to the LADD Dental Group Family

 At LADD Dental Group , we take great pride in providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient who walks through our doors—and that begins with the people who wear the LADD name. That’s why we’re incredibly excited and grateful to officially welcome Dr. Noah Barrett to our Logansport dental family! Dr. Barrett brings a refreshing blend of clinical excellence, kindness, and a patient-first mindset that perfectly aligns with our mission. His dedication to dentistry is matched only by his commitment to building lasting relationships with his patients. He believes in listening first, treating with empathy, and making each patient feel confident and cared for every step of the way. Since joining our team, Dr. Barrett has already made a meaningful impact—not just through his dental expertise, but through his genuine approach to teamwork and community. Whether he’s mentoring a team member, explaining treatment options to a patient, or simply greeting someone with a smile...

Grateful for Patterson Dental | It Takes a Village

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe that the quality of care we provide to our patients is a direct reflection of the partnerships we cultivate behind the scenes. One of the most impactful relationships we’ve developed over the years has been with Patterson Dental —a trusted partner who continues to help us deliver on our promise of excellence across all of our practices. From the beginning, Patterson has gone beyond simply being a supplier. They’ve become a strategic ally—offering invaluable support, innovative solutions, and reliable service that empowers our entire team to focus on what matters most: providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care to the communities we serve. Whether it’s cutting-edge equipment, digital technology integrations, or expert support in training and education, Patterson has played a key role in helping us elevate our clinical capabilities while streamlining operations across our growing network. Their commitment to service and responsiveness ens...

First Dental Visit | Things to Know

Your first dental visit is an important step toward maintaining good oral health. Here’s what to expect and what you should be aware of: 🦷 What to Expect During Your First Visit Medical & Dental History Review You'll fill out a form or go over your health history, medications, and any dental concerns (like sensitivity, pain, or anxiety). Be honest about any conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart issues) that could affect treatment. X-rays (if needed) Most first visits include dental X-rays to check for decay, bone loss, or other hidden issues. Dental Exam The dentist will check your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and look for signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. They may also evaluate any existing dental work (like fillings or crowns). *Professional Cleaning (Depending on dental history and patient age) A dental hygienist may clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. They might polish your teeth and apply fluoride. ...

Production Per Procedure Vs. Production Per Hour

 The debate between production per procedure vs. production per hour is a hot topic in dental practice management. Each model has its pros and cons depending on your clinical philosophy, practice goals, and how you want to motivate and compensate providers. Let’s break it down: 🦷 1. Production per Procedure Model ➕ Pros: Simple & Transactional : Easy to track, and bill. Need a higher fee schedule to make work. More predictable : Each procedure has a high set fee, making it easy to forecast daily/weekly revenue. ➖ Cons: May discourage comprehensive care : Incentivizes more procedures over smarter treatment planning. Doesn’t reward time-intensive cases : Long procedures (like full-mouth rehab or complex endo) may be disincentivized. Not ideal for multi-disciplinary care : Doesn’t reflect the value of time spent on diagnostics, planning, or patient education. ⏱ 2. Production per Hour Model ➕ Pros: Rewards efficiency and time management : Encourages ...