Ladd Dental Group

 Tucked into the heart of downtown Rushville, Indiana, the Princess Theatre stands as more than just a place to watch movies—it is a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and the cultural heartbeat of small-town Indiana. A Stage for Over a Century The story of the Princess Theatre dates back to the early 1900s, when it first opened its doors in 1907 as the Vaudet Theatre. Originally designed for live performances, the venue hosted plays and vaudeville acts, bringing entertainment and culture to Rush County long before modern cinemas existed. By 1915, the theater had been renamed the Princess Theatre and became a cornerstone of the community. Like many historic theaters across the Midwest, it evolved with the times—transitioning into a movie house in 1936 as motion pictures became America’s dominant form of entertainment. For decades, the Princess Theatre served as Rushville’s primary—and often only—movie theater, creating shared experiences for generations of families. A D...

 When you think of Rushville, Indiana, you might picture a tight-knit community, rich farmland, and a strong sense of Hoosier pride. But what many may not realize is that this small town is also the birthplace of one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century—Wendell Willkie. From Rushville to the National Stage Born in 1892 in Rushville, Wendell Willkie grew up in a family deeply rooted in law, public service, and civic engagement. His early years in this small Indiana town helped shape his character—instilling in him the values of hard work, independent thinking, and a deep respect for democracy. Willkie went on to attend Indiana University, eventually becoming a successful lawyer and corporate executive. But it was his unexpected rise in politics that would make history. The 1940 Presidential Election In 1940, Wendell Willkie became the Republican nominee for President of the United States—despite never having held public office. His nomination alone was ...

 At LADD Dental Group , we say it often—and we truly mean it—our hygienists are the heartbeat of everything we do. During National Dental Hygienist Week, we had the opportunity to pause, reflect, and most importantly, celebrate the incredible individuals who care for our patients day in and day out. It was a week filled with gratitude, laughter, and a whole lot of well-deserved recognition. Our hygienists are so much more than clinicians. They are educators, encouragers, problem-solvers, and trusted partners in our patients’ health journeys. They’re often the first smiling face a patient sees and the steady voice that brings comfort and confidence to every visit. Whether it’s helping someone overcome dental anxiety, catching early signs of concern, or simply making someone feel heard—our hygiene team does it all, and they do it exceptionally well. This past week gave us a chance to celebrate them in a way that reflects just how much they mean to our organization. From team lun...

National Dental Hygienist Week gives us a special opportunity to pause and recognize a group of professionals who are absolutely essential to the care we provide—our remarkable dental hygienists . At LADD Dental Group , we simply couldn’t do what we do without them. When most people think of a dental hygienist , they think of cleanings—but their impact goes so much deeper. Our hygienists are educators, advocates, early-detection experts, and trusted partners in our patients’ overall health. They are often the first to notice changes in oral health, helping catch concerns early and guiding patients toward the right treatment at the right time. For many patients, their relationship with dentistry is shaped by their hygienist. Whether it’s easing anxiety, building trust, or simply creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, our hygienists play a huge role in making every visit a positive one. At LADD Dental Group , we are incredibly proud of the level of clinical excellence ou...

  PIK debt (Payment-In-Kind debt) is a type of financing where the borrower doesn’t pay interest in cash. Instead, the interest is added to the loan balance , so the debt compounds over time . Simple example: Borrow $10M at 10% PIK interest Year 1 → you owe $11M Year 2 → you owe $12.1M No cash leaves the business… but the balance keeps growing Why DSOs use PIK debt DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) often use PIK debt to: Preserve cash flow during aggressive expansion Fund acquisitions without immediate cash strain Bridge gaps when traditional financing gets tight On paper, it can make growth look easier and faster. Why it’s a concern (especially right now) 1. It hides real cash performance PIK lets organizations avoid paying interest today, which can: Make EBITDA look stronger than reality Mask cash flow pressure from operations For DSOs that are already tight on margins (staffing, reimbursements, build-outs), this is a big red flag. 2. Com...

  Dental office build-outs are tougher than ever to pencil right now—and it’s not just one factor, it’s the perfect storm. Construction costs remain elevated. What used to feel predictable—plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, equipment install—now comes with wide variability and frequent surprises. Add in longer lead times, and projects stretch further than planned, tying up capital. Interest rates have changed the game. Debt that once felt cheap now carries real weight, which means every dollar invested in a build-out has to work harder to generate a return. Labor is another challenge. Skilled contractors are in high demand, which not only drives up cost but can also impact timelines and quality if you’re not working with the right partners. And then there’s reimbursement pressure. While costs to build and operate dental offices continue to rise, insurance reimbursements haven’t kept pace—making it harder to justify large upfront investments purely on traditional models. All of this...