Ladd Dental Group

  The rise of "veneer techs"—unlicensed individuals offering dental veneer services—has become a significant concern in 2025. These self-proclaimed practitioners often promote their services on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, attracting individuals seeking affordable cosmetic dental enhancements. What Are Veneer Techs? Veneer techs are individuals without formal dental education or licensure who offer veneer applications, typically using composite materials. They often complete brief training courses, sometimes lasting only 12 hours to two days, and then market themselves as qualified to perform veneer procedures. These services are usually provided in non-clinical settings, such as private homes or salons, bypassing standard dental regulations and safety protocols.   Why Is This Trend Concerning? The practice of veneer techs poses several risks: Health Risks : Improper application can lead to severe complications, including gum infections, n...

Indiana has taken a significant step by joining the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact through House Bill 1031. This move facilitates license portability for dental professionals, allowing them to practice across member states more seamlessly. The legislation also includes provisions to support active-duty military members and their spouses by offering reduced or waived licensing fees, aiming to enhance access to dental care statewide.   This initiative aims to improve access to dental care across Indiana and is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages in the dental field. As of May 2025, the following 10 states have enacted legislation to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact: Colorado Iowa Kansas Maine Minnesota Ohio Tennessee Virginia Washington Wisconsin This compact facilitates license portability for dental professionals, allowing them to practice across member states more easily. The implementation process i...

  House Bill 1031, authored by State Representative Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion), proposes that Indiana join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact) . This interstate agreement aims to enhance the mobility of licensed dental professionals across member states, thereby improving access to dental care in Indiana, particularly in underserved rural areas. Key Provisions of House Bill 1031 Interstate Practice Privileges : Dentists and dental hygienists licensed in one compact member state would be permitted to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses, provided they meet the compact's eligibility criteria. Support for Military Families : The bill includes provisions to reduce or waive licensing fees for active-duty military personnel and their spouses, facilitating their ability to practice in Indiana. Regulatory Oversight : A governing commission would be established to oversee the compact's implementation, ensuring complianc...

 A dentist usually can't give you an exact price for a procedure without seeing you in person because of a few key reasons: 1. Every Mouth is Different The condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw can significantly affect what treatment is needed and how complex it will be. The more dental work required, the more expensive the treatment will be. For example, a filling might sound straightforward, but if the decay is deeper than expected, it could turn into a root canal or crown. 2. Diagnosis Comes First A proper diagnosis often requires X-rays, an exam, and sometimes 3D imaging to understand the full picture. Dentists need to confirm what’s truly needed — and rule out other issues — before recommending a treatment plan. 3. There Are Different Options There are often multiple ways to fix the same problem , each with different costs. Example: Missing tooth ? Options might include a bridge, partial denture, or implant — all priced very differently. 4. ...

  Rural communities in Indiana, including areas like Peru , should be highly concerned about the proposed federal and state Medicaid reforms, particularly those outlined in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and Indiana's Senate Bill 2. Federal Medicaid Cuts: "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" proposes significant reductions to Medicaid , including: $715 billion in cuts over a decade , potentially leaving up to 8.6 million Americans uninsured.   Introduction of work requirements , mandating 80 hours per month of employment or community engagement for able-bodied adults without dependents. Increased eligibility verification , requiring recipients to confirm their status twice a year instead of annually. Implementation of co-payments , up to $35 for individuals earning above the poverty line.   These measures could strain rural healthcare systems, as many hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements. The N...

 When you're experiencing a toothache or simply trying to plan ahead for dental work , it's completely understandable to want a quick quote over the phone. However, at LADD Dental Group and most reputable dental offices, we often can’t provide an exact price for a procedure without first conducting an in-person evaluation — and for good reason. Here’s why dental pricing isn't as simple as a quick phone call: 🦷 1. Every Mouth is Different No two patients are the same. Even if two people think they need a "filling" or an " extraction ," the actual condition of their teeth, gums, and surrounding structures can vary significantly. Some patients may need a simple filling, while others might require a root canal, crown, or even surgical intervention. Without examining your mouth, there’s no way to know which dental treatment is appropriate. 📸 2. X-rays Reveal the Full Picture Much of what’s happening in your mouth isn’t visible to the naked eye. D...

  As of May 16, 2025, House Republicans are advancing a significant budget proposal known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes substantial cuts to Medicaid funding. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that these reductions could lead to approximately 8.6 million Americans losing their health insurance coverage   Key Provisions of the Proposed Medicaid Cuts Work Requirements : The bill introduces mandatory work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients, particularly targeting childless adults. This measure is projected to reduce Medicaid coverage, affecting at least 10.3 million people. Funding Reductions : The proposal outlines $715 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade, focusing on increasing user fees, enforcing work requirements, reducing funding for undocumented immigrants, and restricting payments to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood. Impact on Vulnerable Populations : Children, low-income millennials, and residents i...

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe that how we treat people—our patients, our team, and our community—matters just as much as the dental care we provide. That’s why gratitude isn’t just a feel-good word to us—it’s one of our core values , deeply embedded in the culture of our organization. Gratitude shapes the way we lead, the way we serve, and the way we grow together. Gratitude in Action: More Than Just Words In the world of healthcare, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics, procedures, and productivity. But at LADD Dental Group , we intentionally slow down to recognize and appreciate the people who make what we do possible. Whether it’s a patient trusting us with their smile, a team member going the extra mile, or a referral from a loyal provider—we never take that for granted. We say thank you often and mean it. We express gratitude in team huddles, patient interactions, community events, and our daily operations. It keeps us grounded and focused on what matters most: bui...

  A Pawsitive Presence: Celebrating Our Comfort Dog at LADD Dental Group 🐾 At LADD Dental Group , we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, patient-centered care—and that doesn’t just come from our amazing team of dentists and staff. It also comes from one of our most beloved and gentle team members: our comfort dental dog . Words can't fully express how grateful we are for the calming, joyful presence she brings to our offices each and every day. Whether it's a nervous child visiting the dentist for the first time, a patient with dental anxiety , or even a stressed-out team member in need of a quick emotional reset, our sweet comfort dog is always ready to lend a paw (and a cuddle). Her gentle nature, intuitive spirit, and unwavering friendliness remind us all to slow down and breathe. She’s more than just a support animal—she’s family. Patients of all ages light up when they see her wagging tail and soft eyes. She has a unique way of making our clinical environment...

 Despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, the S&P 500 has returned to positive territory in 2025, driven by several key factors: 📉 Cooling Inflation U.S. inflation has been on a steady decline, with April's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising just 2.3% year-over-year, the lowest in four years. This unexpected easing has alleviated investor concerns about persistent inflation and potential Federal Reserve rate hikes, bolstering market confidence. 🤝 U.S.-China Trade Agreement A significant trade agreement between the U.S. and China has further buoyed markets. Both nations agreed to reduce tariffs for a 90-day period, with U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports dropping from 145% to 30%, and China's tariffs on U.S. goods falling from 125% to 10%. This development has improved economic conditions and reduced recession risks, prompting Goldman Sachs to revise its S&P 500 forecast upward. 📈 Tech Sector Resurgence The technology sector, particularly companies involve...

  Indiana is considered a good state to practice dentistry for several compelling reasons—especially for dentists looking for strong patient demand, lower overhead costs, and an opportunity to make a community impact. Here's a breakdown of why Indiana stands out: ✅ 1. Favorable Cost of Living & Business Environment Low overhead costs : Office rent, utilities, and staff wages are generally lower than in coastal states. No practice sales tax : Indiana does not tax professional services like dental procedures. Business-friendly regulations : The state has a streamlined regulatory environment that makes it easier to operate and grow a practice. ✅ 2. High Demand, Especially in Underserved Areas Many areas of Indiana— especially rural and mid-sized towns —face a shortage of dental providers. Dentists often develop loyal patient bases quickly due to limited local competition in smaller markets. ✅ 3. Strong Patient Base & Community Ties Indiana has ...

 The Indiana Mammoth Internal Improvement Act of 1836 was a sweeping infrastructure initiative passed by the Indiana General Assembly with the goal of modernizing the state's transportation system. It was one of the largest public works programs in the United States at the time. What the Act Included: The law authorized $10 million (an enormous sum in the 1830s) for projects such as: Canals , including the Wabash and Erie Canal and the Central Canal. Turnpikes (toll roads) throughout the state. Railroads , notably the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad. River improvements for navigation. Why It Bankrupted the State: Overambitious Scope : The scale of the projects was far too large for the state’s population and economic capacity. Indiana was still a frontier state with limited tax revenue. Panic of 1837 : A major national financial crisis hit the U.S. just one year after the act passed, triggering a recession and making it difficult for Indiana to secure a...

 The most significant dental news in May 2025 is Utah's impending statewide ban on fluoride in public drinking water , set to take effect this Wednesday. This move positions Utah as the first U.S. state to implement such a ban, impacting approximately 1.6 million residents in Salt Lake City and northern Utah.  🦷 What’s Happening? Governor Spencer Cox signed the legislation despite strong opposition from dental and public health experts. The ban has sparked widespread concern among professionals who warn of increased dental decay , particularly among children and low-income groups lacking access to regular dental care .  ⚖️ The Debate Supporters of the ban , including Rep. Stephanie Gricius and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., argue for informed consent and raise concerns about potential health risks from fluoride exposure. Opponents , comprising dental professionals and public health officials, emphasize fluoride's long-standing role in preventin...

D ental office products have experienced notable price increases since the implementation of recent tariffs, particularly those affecting imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs have disrupted supply chains and escalated costs for essential dental supplies and equipment. 📈 Specific Price Increases Dental Equipment : Items such as chairs, sterilizers, and digital scanners have seen price hikes ranging from 10% to 25% . For instance, a CBCT scanner that previously cost $50,000 might now be priced between $55,000 and $62,500 due to the new tariffs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Consumables : Supplies like gloves, masks, and gowns have become more expensive, with some products experiencing cost increases of 10% to 30% , depending on their country of origin and supply chain factors. Dental Implants and Restorative Materials : Procedures involving implants and materials like zirconia have become costlier. For example, a $2,000 implant procedure could no...

 The convergence of economic strain and operational challenges is very likely to continue driving dental practice consolidation through 2025 and beyond. Here's a breakdown of how the current pressures are shaping this trend: 🔹 Same-Store Growth vs. Shrinking Margins While 60% of practices reported same-store production growth in 2024 , this growth is being undercut by: Rising overhead (especially in rent, supplies, and lab fees) Increased labor costs due to dental staffing shortages Reimbursement pressure from dental insurance plans not keeping pace with inflation As a result, many independent practices are seeing revenue growth without meaningful profit growth , prompting owners to consider mergers or selling to DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) for financial relief and operational support. 🔹 Staffing Shortages & Burnout The national shortage of dental hygienists and assistants has: Increased wage pressure Led to reduced capacity and longer...