Ladd Dental Group

It is with deep gratitude and genuine honor that we celebrate Dr. Harold Smith and his truly remarkable dental career. Dr. Smith’s journey began with service to our country in the United States Air Force—a foundation that shaped not only his clinical excellence, but also his discipline, integrity, and commitment to others. Those values have carried through every chapter of his career and have been felt by everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him or sitting in his chair. For more than 30 years, Dr. Smith has been a cornerstone of care for Indiana families. Generations of patients have trusted him with their smiles, and in return, he has delivered not only exceptional dentistry, but compassion, consistency, and a level of care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Beyond his impact on patients, Dr. Smith’s influence within LADD Dental Group runs just as deep. He has played a vital role in mentoring and developing our doctors—sharing his clinical expertise, g...

 We’re incredibly grateful to be featured in Becker’s Dental + DSO Review . Being included in a publication that’s so respected across the dental industry is an honor—and a reflection of the people, partnerships, and patients that make what we do possible every day. Professional coverage like Becker’s plays an important role in our field. It brings transparency to the industry, highlights innovation, and keeps dental leaders connected to the trends and challenges shaping the future of care. We’re thankful to be part of that conversation and proud to represent our team and communities on a national stage. 

 For nearly five decades, it has been our privilege to serve the Kokomo community. Since 1978, we’ve had the honor of caring for generations of families—watching kids grow up, welcoming new dental patients , and building relationships that go far beyond dentistry . That kind of trust isn’t something we take lightly. Kokomo isn’t just where we work—it’s home. And we’re incredibly grateful for every patient, every family, and every story that has walked through our doors over the years. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your lives since 1978. Here’s to continuing to serve this amazing community for many years to come. ❤️ 

Heavy Treasury refinancing + a (re)expanding Fed balance sheet typically means liquidity is rising, but so is long-term uncertainty around rates, inflation, and asset values . That’s not a doomsday setup—but it is an environment where positioning matters a lot. For a dental group, I’d think about this in three layers: balance sheet, operations, and strategy. 1. Balance Sheet: Don’t get caught on the wrong side of rates Even if the Fed is adding liquidity, the Treasury issuing massive debt can keep longer-term rates elevated (or at least volatile). Implications: Floating-rate debt is a risk Refinancing windows may be unpredictable Lenders get more selective late-cycle What to do: Lock in fixed-rate debt where you can (or hedge floating exposure) Avoid over-leveraging on acquisitions assuming “easy refinancing later” Build cash reserves (3–6 months of expenses minimum for multi-site groups) If you’re planning a large project (buildout, equipment), consider pull...

 🧩 The actual situation (by category) 1) Auto loans & negative equity ~ 29% of trade-ins have negative equity Average negative equity: ~$7,200 (many >$10k) Total auto debt: ~$1.65–1.67 trillion What it means: People are rolling old debt into new loans → “permanent car payments” This is a cash flow trap , not a banking crisis (yet) It reduces future consumption because income is already committed 👉 Risk level: Moderate, but corrosive over time 2) Mortgage stress (FHA / lower-income borrowers) Overall mortgage delinquency still relatively low (~1–4%) BUT: Sharp rise in lower-income / FHA borrowers FHA delinquency rates materially higher than conventional loans rising delinquency rates concentration in financially weaker households What it means: This is not 2008 (no widespread housing collapse) It is a stress signal at the margin , especially for first-time buyers 👉 Risk level: Contained, but a leading indicator 3) Stu...

 If you’ve noticed more dental offices stepping away from insurance networks, you’re not imagining it. Across the country, dentists are re-evaluating their participation with insurance plans—and in many cases, choosing to go out-of-network altogether. At the center of this shift is a simple reality: the cost of delivering care is rising faster than what insurance companies are willing to pay. Let’s break down what’s driving this trend and what it means moving forward. The Squeeze: Rising Costs vs. Flat Reimbursements Running a dental practice in 2025 looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Dental equipment and materials are up approximately 6% Wages are rising faster than inflation , especially for hygienists and dental assistants Overhead costs—from rent to technology—continue to climb At the same time, insurance reimbursement rates have remained largely unchanged . This creates a growing gap: The cost to provide care is increasing… but the amount dentists are p...