Ladd Dental Group

 Brushing your teeth seems simple—but doing it properly makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your smile long-term. ✅ The Proper Way to Brush: • Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush • Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline • Use gentle, circular motions —not aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing • Don’t forget the gumline, back teeth, and tongue • Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months (or sooner if frayed) ⚠️ Common Mistakes We See: • Brushing too hard (this can damage enamel and gums) • Rushing (most people only brush for ~45 seconds) • Skipping flossing altogether • Ignoring bleeding gums (this is often a sign of inflammation—not something to brush harder!) 💡 Why Oral Hygiene Matters: Good oral hygiene isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s about your overall health. • Helps prevent cavities and gum disease • Reduces risk of bad breath • Supports your heart health and systemic health • Pro...

T here are clear signs inflation is re-accelerating in 2026 , and expectations have been revised upward, though there’s still a wide range depending on the scenario. 📈 What’s happening right now (2026 data) U.S. CPI jumped to ~3.3% in March 2026 , up sharply from 2.4% just a month earlier Monthly inflation spiked 0.9% , the fastest since 2022 The main driver: energy (especially gasoline) tied to geopolitical shocks Even the Fed’s preferred measure (PCE) is running around ~3.5% YoY , still well above the 2% target 👉 Bottom line: inflation bottomed in early 2026 and is now moving back up , largely due to energy + second-order effects. 🔮 Updated inflation expectations for 2026 1. “Base case” (Fed / mainstream economists) Fed forecast: ~2.7% inflation in 2026 (recently revised UP) J.P. Morgan: ~3.2% U.S. core inflation Market-implied expectations: ~3.3% CPI 👉 Consensus has shifted from “back to 2%” → “stuck around ~3%” 2. Upside risk scenario (incre...

 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...

 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! 

 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! 

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...