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...