Ladd Dental Group

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe every family deserves access to quality dental care. As a proud provider serving North Central Indiana communities, we know that navigating insurance changes can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we're committed to helping our patients understand the latest updates to Indiana Medicaid and Managed Care dental programs—and what they mean for your family's oral health. A New Managed Care Landscape One of the biggest recent changes for Indiana Medicaid members is the transition of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Beginning in 2026, MDwise is no longer participating as a statewide Indiana Medicaid managed care plan. Many members were asked to choose a new health plan during open enrollment, and those who did not make a selection were automatically assigned to another participating plan. For many patients, this means: Your Medicaid plan may have changed. You may have received a new insurance card. It's important to verify that your...

 A smile is one of the first things people notice. It can communicate kindness, confidence, joy, and warmth without saying a single word. At LADD Dental Group , we believe a healthy smile is about much more than teeth—it's about helping people feel like the best version of themselves. For nearly five decades, our mission has been simple: family serving families . Every day, we have the privilege of helping patients regain confidence in their smiles, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone smile freely again. The Benefits of Smiling Smiling has an incredible impact on both our physical and emotional well-being. Research has shown that smiling can: Boost your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins. Help reduce stress and anxiety. Make you appear more approachable and confident. Strengthen personal and professional relationships. Create positive first impressions. Even encourage those around you to smile, creating a ripple effect of positivity. For many people, however...

 House Bill 1254 (HB 1254), which was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2026 , makes several important updates to Indiana dental licensing laws. The most significant change is that it creates a pathway for qualified foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without first completing a U.S. dental hygiene program, provided they meet rigorous licensing requirements established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry . The law also expands options for approved nitrous oxide certification programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants. Why this is good news for Indiana dental patients and families 1. Improves access to preventive dental care Indiana, like many states, has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists. When practices cannot fully staff hygiene schedules, patients often wait longer for routine cleanings, periodontal therapy, and preventive care. By allowing qualified foreign-trained dentists to serve as hygienists, more a...

Indiana recently passed House Bill 1254 , which creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without having to complete a U.S. dental hygiene degree. The law takes effect July 1, 2026 and is designed to help address the ongoing shortage of dental hygienists across the state. Under the new law , internationally trained dentists are not automatically licensed . They must still: Have their dental education evaluated and approved. Demonstrate English proficiency when required. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Pass a regional clinical licensing examination. Meet all Indiana licensing and background check requirements established by the State Board of Dentistry. This creates a much more practical career pathway for highly educated dental professionals who have already completed dental school abroad but previously had few options other than repeating years of education in the United States. ...

 At LADD Dental Group , our mission has always been simple: Family Serving Families. That's why we're excited about a new Indiana law that will help improve access to dental care for communities across the state of Indiana. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana has created a new pathway for internationally trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists. Rather than requiring these highly educated professionals to complete an entirely new dental hygiene degree , Indiana now recognizes their previous dental education while still requiring them to meet rigorous licensing standards, including credential evaluation, national board examinations, clinical testing, and all state licensing requirements. Why does this matter? Like many states across the country, Indiana has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists over the past several years. Preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health, yet staffing shortages have sometimes made it difficult for patients to sched...

 For nearly five decades, LADD Dental Group has had the privilege of serving families throughout North Central Indiana. While dentistry has changed tremendously over the years, one thing has remained constant: people want someone they can trust with their family's health. At LADD Dental Group, we believe that every family deserves more than a dental provider —they deserve a trusted friend. A healthy smile starts with trust. Whether it's a child's very first dental appointment, a teenager preparing for clear aligner ortho treatment, a parent balancing a busy schedule, or a grandparent restoring their smile, every stage of life deserves compassionate, personalized care. Our patients aren't just appointments on a schedule. They're our neighbors, friends, coworkers, teachers, coaches, and fellow community members. We take the time to get to know each person because meaningful relationships lead to better care and more confident patients. Since 1978, LADD Dental Group ...