Ladd Dental Group

 In today’s digital age, marketing strategies have evolved, but one of the most effective and time-tested methods remains word-of-mouth referrals. For dental practices , personal recommendations from satisfied patients can be a game-changer, driving new patient growth and strengthening community trust. Why Word-of-Mouth Referrals Matter Builds Trust and Credibility People trust recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues more than any advertisement. A positive referral carries more weight than an online review because it comes from a personal connection who has experienced the service firsthand. Attracts High-Quality Patients Patients referred by others often have higher trust in the practice, leading to better patient compliance and long-term retention. They are also more likely to refer others, creating a cycle of continuous growth. Cost-Effective Marketing Traditional marketing and digital ads can be expensive. Word-of-mouth referrals, on the other hand, are essentially...

 As I continue my SureSmile Clear Aligner journey, I wanted to take a moment to share my experience transitioning to new trays and how happy I have been with my orthodontic treatment thus far. The Process of Changing Trays One of the most exciting aspects of clear aligner treatment is progressing through each set of trays, knowing that every switch brings me one step closer to my ideal smile. SureSmile aligners are designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions, and transitioning to a new set of trays every couple of weeks has been a smooth process for me. The first day of a new tray always brings a little tightness, which is completely normal. That mild pressure is a good sign—it means the aligners are actively working to move my teeth . Within a day or two, the sensation subsides as my teeth adjust to their new position, making it easier to wear the trays comfortably. Comfort and Convenience One of the standout features of SureSmile aligners is their precision ...

 At LADD Dental Group , we have always prioritized delivering exceptional patient care. But providing top-notch dental services isn’t just about clinical expertise—it’s also about how we communicate with our patients. That’s why we are thrilled to announce an exciting upgrade to our patient communication platform with Denticon Patient Communication! Why Patient Communication Matters Effective communication is at the heart of a positive patient experience. When patients feel heard, informed, and engaged, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, keep their appointments, and maintain optimal oral health . Here are some key reasons why a streamlined communication system is vital: Enhanced Patient Engagement: A seamless communication system keeps patients informed about their treatment, upcoming appointments, and dental health tips. Reduced No-Shows & Cancellations: Automated reminders and confirmations help ensure patients stay on track with their dental vis...

 At LADD Dental Group , we are always looking for ways to enhance our patient experience and improve how we communicate with our valued patients. That’s why we are excited to announce that we are updating our patient communication platform with Denticon Patient Communication ! This new system will revolutionize how we interact with our patients by streamlining communication, increasing convenience, and ensuring that every patient receives timely reminders, updates, and personalized engagement. Why We’re Excited About This Update Improved Appointment Reminders & Confirmations With Denticon’s automated messaging, patients will receive timely reminders for upcoming appointments via text, email, and phone calls. This will help reduce missed dental appointments and make scheduling easier than ever. Two-Way Texting for Seamless Communication Have a quick question about your appointment or treatment plan? Our new system allows for real-time two-way texting, making it easier for patie...

 When it comes to building a fulfilling and rewarding dental career , the right workplace makes all the difference. At LADD Dental Group , we don’t just offer jobs—we provide a collaborative, patient-centered environment where talented and compassionate dental professionals can thrive. If you are a dentist , hygienist , or dental assistant looking for a supportive and growth-oriented practice , here’s why you should consider joining our team. 1. A Culture of Care and Excellence At LADD Dental Group, we believe that exceptional dental care starts with exceptional people . Our team is made up of passionate professionals who prioritize patient well-being and clinical excellence . We foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous learning , ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to provide the best possible care. 2. Cutting-Edge Technology & Innovation We are committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. By integrating state-of-the-art...

Are you looking for a rewarding career in dentistry ? Do you have a passion for patient care and want to be part of a team that truly makes a difference? LADD Dental Group is growing, and we are looking for talented and caring individuals to join our team across North Central Indiana ! Who We Are At LADD Dental Group , we believe that exceptional dental care starts with an exceptional team. For over 45 years , we’ve been committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered dentistry in a welcoming and supportive environment. As we continue to grow, we are searching for dedicated professionals who share our mission of improving lives through outstanding oral healthcare . Current Job Openings We are actively hiring for the following positions: ✅ Dental Assistants – Help provide excellent patient care and support our dentists in daily procedures. ✅ Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) – Utilize your advanced skills to assist in restorative dentistry and enhance patient out...

 Congratulations! You’re progressing through your clear aligner treatment , and it’s time to switch to your next set of trays. Advancing to a new aligner is an exciting step, bringing you closer to your perfect smile. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. What to Expect When Switching to Your Next Aligner Increased Pressure and Tightness Each new aligner is designed to continue shifting your teeth , so it’s normal to experience some tightness and mild discomfort for the first few days. This sensation indicates that your treatment is working! Speech Adjustments If your new aligners feel slightly different, you might notice a temporary change in your speech. This usually resolves within a day or two as your mouth adjusts. Slight Changes in Fit Your new trays may not fit perfectly at first, especially if your teeth are still adjusting. Be sure to wear them as instructed to help them settle in properly. Possible Soreness Some patients experienc...

 When it comes to managing dental expenses, many patients automatically assume that traditional dental insurance is the best way to save money. However, recent studies and patient experiences suggest that dental discount plans can significantly lower overall dental spending while providing better access to care. Let’s explore how these plans compare to traditional insurance and why they may be a smarter choice for many individuals and families. Understanding Dental Discount Plans Dental discount plans , also known as dental savings plans, operate differently from traditional insurance. Instead of paying high monthly premiums for coverage that may have limitations and waiting periods, members of a dental discount plan pay a low annual fee to access reduced rates on dental services. These discounts typically range from 20% to 100% off standard fees at participating dental offices. Key Ways Dental Discount Plans Reduce Costs Lower Upfront Costs Traditional dental insurance requires...

 LADD Dental Group’s Dental One Discount Plan provides significant benefits to patients who do not have traditional dental insurance . The key advantages include: Benefits of the Dental One Discount Plan : ✅ Affordable Care – Patients receive reduced fees on a wide range of services, making dental care more accessible. ✅ No Waiting Periods – Unlike insurance, there’s no delay in receiving care. Patients can use the plan immediately. ✅ No Annual Maximums – There are no caps on savings, meaning patients can receive necessary treatment without worrying about running out of coverage. ✅ No Deductibles or Claim Forms – Simplifies the process and eliminates out-of-pocket hurdles. ✅ Discounts on Preventive, Restorative, and Cosmetic Services – Encourages routine dental visits , reducing long-term dental costs by preventing major issues. Why Having Both General Dentists & Specialists is Crucial LADD Dental Group’s ability to provide both general and specialty dental care under o...

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe that quality dental care should be accessible and affordable for everyone. That’s why we offer Dental One , our in-house dental discount plan designed to help patients save on their dental treatments without the hassle of traditional insurance. What is Dental One? Dental One is a cost-effective alternative to dental insurance , providing members with exclusive discounts on a wide range of dental services . With a simple annual membership fee, patients can enjoy significant savings on preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures at any LADD Dental Group location. The Benefits of Dental One No Deductibles or Waiting Periods – Unlike traditional insurance, Dental One offers immediate access to savings with no hidden fees or long approval processes. Affordable Annual Membership – For a yearly fee of $250, members receive discounted rates on essential dental treatments. Discounts on a Variety of Services – Save on everything from routine clea...

 The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is Indiana’s Medicaid program for adults ages 19-64. The services covered depend on the specific HIP plan : HIP Basic Covers essential health benefits, including emergency dental services . Does not include comprehensive dental or vision services for adults. HIP Plus Offers the most comprehensive benefits, including dental and vision coverage for adults. Covers preventive, diagnostic, restorative, endodontic, periodontic, prosthodontic, and oral surgery services . Requires members to contribute to a POWER Account (monthly premium). HIP State Plan Plus For individuals with additional medical needs, such as those with disabilities. Provides full dental benefits , similar to HIP Plus but with additional benefits. Key Differences in Enrollment & Qualifications Plan Type Dental Coverage Who Qualifies? Monthly Contribution? Extra Benefits HIP Basic ❌Emergency Based Service Only  Below 100% FPL, no POWER payment No Limited benefits, emergency...

 The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) provides dental coverage through different plan levels: HIP Basic, HIP Plus , and HIP State Plan Plus . Here’s a breakdown of the dental benefits for each: 1. HIP Basic (Limited Coverage) Only emergency dental services are covered. No routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, or major dental work. This plan is for members who do not contribute to a Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) Account. 2. HIP Plus (Comprehensive Coverage) Covers preventive, basic, and major dental services . Includes: Routine exams and cleanings Fillings Crowns Root canals Dentures This is the best option for dental coverage under HIP besides the HIP State Plan Plus policy, but members must contribute to their POWER Account monthly. 3. HIP State Plan Plus (For Individuals with Certain Health Needs) Includes full dental coverage similar to HIP Plus. Offers additional benefits for individuals with specific medical conditions or disabilities. Members must also make P...

 The Healthy Indiana Plan ( HIP ) is Indiana’s Medicaid program based individual and family income, and it has different levels of coverage based on the specific plan and eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between HIP , HIP State Plan , and HIP State Plan Plus in terms of dental coverage : HIP Basic Extremely Limited dental coverage (typically emergency-only services like extractions and pain management). Does not include routine cleanings, exams, or restorative care (fillings, crowns, etc.). For those who do not make POWER Account contributions.   Not recommended for individuals needing dental work . HIP Plus Provides comprehensive dental benefits , including preventive, restorative, and emergency care. Available to members with certain medical conditions or disabilities who qualify for enhanced benefits. Works similarly to traditional Medicaid coverage.  There is a $4 copay for all dental work performed.   There are a number of ...

 Indiana's Medicaid dental programs offer varying dental benefits tailored to specific populations. Here's a breakdown of dental coverage across the different plans: Traditional Medicaid : This program provides dental services primarily for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. Covered services include: Diagnostic and preventive care (e.g., exams, cleanings) Restorative services (e.g., fillings) Extractions Prosthetic services (e.g., dentures) Specific coverage details and limitations can vary, so it's advisable to consult the Indiana Medicaid member handbook or contact Member Services for precise information. Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) : Designed for adults aged 19-64, HIP offers different dental benefits based on the specific plan:  HIP Basic : This plan offers extremely limited emergency dental benefits , and is primarily an emergency based plan:  HIP Plus : Members making monthly contributions receive comprehensive dental benefits, including: Two oral e...

 Indiana offers several Medicaid programs tailored to meet the diverse healthcare needs of its residents. Here's an overview of the key programs: Traditional Medicaid : This program provides comprehensive health coverage for individuals who are aged, blind, disabled, or meet other specific eligibility criteria. It covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, dental care , hospital care, prescriptions, and more. Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) : Designed for adults aged 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), HIP emphasizes personal responsibility and preventive care. Members contribute to a Personal Wellness and Responsibility (POWER) account, which is used to pay for initial medical expenses. Within HIP, there are several plan options:  HIP Basic : Available to individuals with incomes below 100% FPL who do not make POWER account contributions. This plan covers essential health services but requires copayments for most services. It include...

 As of June 2023, Indiana's Medicaid program serves approximately 2.23 million members . Within this population, the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) accounts for about 789,556 members , representing roughly 35% of the total Medicaid enrollment. The remaining 65% —approximately 1.44 million members —are enrolled in other Medicaid programs, often referred to as Traditional Medicaid . It's important to note that Traditional Medicaid encompasses various programs targeting specific groups, including: Hoosier Healthwise : Designed for children and pregnant women. Hoosier Care Connect : Aimed at the elderly and individuals with disabilities.  Healthy Indiana Plan : Designed for adults and families based on income levels Other specialized programs : Serving distinct populations with unique healthcare needs. Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria and benefit structures, tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indiana's Medicaid beneficiaries. For the most current and ...

 In Indiana, Traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) are both state-run health insurance programs, but they serve different populations and offer different benefits. Here’s how they compare: 1. Eligibility Traditional Medicaid : Covers low-income individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including: Children under 19 years old Pregnant women Elderly individuals ( 65+ years old ) People with disabilities Certain parents or caretakers of children Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) : Covers low-income adults (19-64 years old) who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid and earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) . It is Indiana’s version of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 2. Cost & Contributions Traditional Medicaid : Usually free or very low-cost for members. There are no monthly premiums or required payments for most services. HIP : HIP Plus members pay monthly POWER Account contributions (similar to premiums) based...

 If the proposed cap on Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) enrollment at 500,000 members becomes law, it could have several major effects: 1. Loss of Coverage for Hundreds of Thousands Currently, HIP enrollment is around 789,556 members (as of mid-2023). A cap at 500,000 means nearly 300,000 Hoosiers could lose access to this Medicaid expansion program. 2. Reduced Access to Dental and Healthcare Services HIP Plus provides dental benefits , especially in HIP State Plus plans , which cover cleanings, exams, fillings, and more. Those who lose HIP coverage may no longer have access to affordable dental care , potentially leading to worse oral and overall health outcomes . Fewer Medicaid-covered patients might also affect dental practices that rely on HIP patients , possibly reducing participation from providers. 3. Increased Uncompensated Care & ER Visits Without HIP coverage , many low-income Hoosiers might turn to emergency rooms for dental and medical issues , leading to hig...

 Over the past five years, Indiana's Medicaid program, including the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), has experienced significant growth in overall expenditures. Total Medicaid spending reached approximately $17.9 billion in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023, with $2.7 billion funded by the state. This represents a 9.6% increase from the previous year, outpacing the 5.9% growth observed in both Medicare and private health insurance spending nationally. Enrollment in Indiana's Medicaid programs has also risen markedly, peaking at 2.23 million members in May 2023. Specifically, HIP membership grew from 33.4% of Indiana Medicaid members in 2020 to 36.2% in 2022. Despite these increases in overall spending and enrollment, specific data on dental expenditure growth within Indiana Medicaid and HIP over the past five years is not readily available from public sources. However, it's noteworthy that Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in Indiana are approximately 49.6% of pr...

  Wisdom tooth extractions are one of the most common oral surgery procedures, yet the experience and outcomes can vary greatly from patient to patient. Whether you’re preparing for your own extraction or simply curious about the process, understanding the key factors that contribute to a successful procedure can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Here’s what makes a wisdom tooth extraction case truly successful. 1. Thorough Pre-Operative Evaluation A successful extraction starts with a comprehensive dental evaluation. Your dentist or oral surgeon will take digital X-rays or use advanced imaging technology, like Overjet AI, to assess the position of your wisdom teeth , their proximity to nerves and sinuses, and any potential complications. This allows for a tailored surgical plan that minimizes risks and enhances precision. 2. Choosing the Right Professional Selecting an experienced dental professional for your wisdom tooth extraction is crucial. At LADD Denta...

  Wisdom tooth extractions are one of the most common oral surgery procedures, but they can also cause anxiety for many patients. At LADD Dental Group, we understand that the thought of having your wisdom teeth removed can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry to help make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Many of our patients have chosen sedation for their wisdom tooth extractions and have had amazing experiences —here’s why! Why Patients Request Sedation for Wisdom Tooth Extractions There are several reasons why patients opt for sedation during this procedure: 1. Eases Dental Anxiety & Fear Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and for some, it can prevent them from seeking necessary care. Sedation helps patients feel calm and relaxed, making the entire process much more manageable. 2. Pain Management & Comfort Even though local anesthesia is used to numb the area, sedation takes it a step further by minimizing discomfort and...