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SBA Lending | Trends & Significance

 SBA lending in 2025 wasn’t just “common”—it was historically elevated , and that actually tells you quite a bit about the underlying macro setup heading into 2026. 1) How common was SBA lending in 2025? The SBA guaranteed ~85,000 loans totaling about $45 billion in FY2025 — an all-time record. That followed already strong 2024 levels (~$50B), meaning multiple consecutive years of heavy government-backed credit expansion . Roughly 20% of small business borrowers specifically sought SBA financing , making it a meaningful (but not dominant) channel within the broader credit ecosystem. There was also a shift in composition: Fewer total loans but larger average sizes (more capital flowing to stronger borrowers). Larger 7(a) loans made up a disproportionate share of total dollars. 👉 Bottom line: SBA lending was high in volume, but increasingly concentrated and selective . 2) What does that signal about the macro backdrop? SBA lending is a very specific signa...
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Dr. Bala Sankuratri | Dean's Award for Research Excellence

 We couldn’t be more proud of our future doctor, Bala Sankuratri , on this incredible achievement! Bala recently graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry with Research Honors and was recognized with the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence —a testament to his dedication, curiosity, and commitment to advancing the field of dentistry . He credits much of this accomplishment to the mentorship and guidance of Drs. Aline Castilho and Grace Gomez , along with the support of his colleagues Dr. Sanjana Madarapu and Dr. Iqra Walayat throughout the journey. Bala is excited to carry this research-driven mindset and clinical excellence into private practice, and we’re confident that his patients—and our team—will benefit greatly from his passion for dentistry and patient care. Please join us in congratulating Bala on this outstanding milestone! 

Celebrating Dr. Harold Smith | Event Details

 We are incredibly grateful and honored to celebrate Dr. Harold Smith and his remarkable dental career. Dr. Smith began his journey in the Air Force, and over the past 30+ years, he has made a lasting impact—not only through the exceptional care he’s provided to countless Indiana families, but also through the mentorship and clinical guidance he’s shared with so many of our doctors. His influence will be felt for generations to come. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Smith’s incredible legacy at his retirement party: 📅 Friday, June 12th ⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM 📍 Inventrek Building | Kokomo, IN We would love to see you there as we honor a truly remarkable person and career! 

Celebrating Dr. Harold Smith

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...

Grateful Dentists | Beckers Dental + DSO Review Latest Publication

 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. 

Beautiful Spring Day in Kokomo | Grateful Dentists

 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. ❤️ 

2026 US Macro Economy | How to Position Your Dental Office

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...