Ladd Dental Group

 The debate between production per procedure vs. production per hour is a hot topic in dental practice management. Each model has its pros and cons depending on your clinical philosophy, practice goals, and how you want to motivate and compensate providers. Let’s break it down: 🦷 1. Production per Procedure Model ➕ Pros: Simple & Transactional : Easy to track, and bill. Need a higher fee schedule to make work. More predictable : Each procedure has a high set fee, making it easy to forecast daily/weekly revenue. ➖ Cons: May discourage comprehensive care : Incentivizes more procedures over smarter treatment planning. Doesn’t reward time-intensive cases : Long procedures (like full-mouth rehab or complex endo) may be disincentivized. Not ideal for multi-disciplinary care : Doesn’t reflect the value of time spent on diagnostics, planning, or patient education. ⏱ 2. Production per Hour Model ➕ Pros: Rewards efficiency and time management : Encourages ...

 Budgeting for Capital Expenditures (CapEx) in a dental office depends on the size, age, specialty, and growth trajectory of the practice. Here's a breakdown based on current benchmarks and how it's changed over the past decade: 🧮 Typical CapEx Budget for Dental Offices (2025) Practice Type Annual CapEx Budget (as % of Revenue) Notes General Practice 4–7% Includes chairs, imaging, computers, minor remodels Specialty (Ortho, Oral Surgery) 6–10% Higher tech needs (e.g., CBCT, scanners, sedation) New or Fast-Growth Practice 8–12%+ Heavier initial investment and scaling Per Operatory Average Annual CapEx: $5,000–$10,000 Larger Projects (every 7–10 years): $250,000–$600,000+ for remodel or expansion 📈 CapEx Trends Over the Past Decade Year CapEx Trend vs Revenue Drivers 2015 ~2–4%     Focus on digital radiography and EHR 2020 (COVID-era) Spike in PPE and HVAC CapEx     Infection control investments 2023–2025 6–10% average in modernizing offices ...

 At LADD Dental Group of Logansport , we are incredibly grateful to share some exciting news with our amazing patients and community — we’re officially welcoming Dr. Noah Barrett to our dental family! Dr. Barrett brings with him a strong commitment to compassionate, high-quality dental care and a passion for helping patients achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. From the moment he walked through our doors, it was clear that his values aligned perfectly with our mission to provide personalized, patient-first dentistry in a warm, welcoming environment. We are honored to have him on board and know our patients are going to love his gentle approach and dedication to clinical excellence. But that’s not all — we’re also thrilled to announce the addition of two brand new state-of-the-art treatment rooms to our Logansport office! This expansion is a direct reflection of our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community. With more space and enhanced resources, we’re b...

 The fact that 23 large U.S. DSOs are reportedly in receivership has significant implications for dental practice valuations , private equity behavior, and the broader dental consolidation landscape. Here's a breakdown of how this development is likely to affect dental practice valuations moving forward: 🧮 1. Downward Pressure on Multiples Practice valuations will likely decline , especially for DSOs heavily dependent on aggressive growth strategies and high debt. Investors will become more cautious, lowering EBITDA multiples due to increased perceived risk. Before: 6–10x EBITDA was common for group practices. Now: 4–7x may become the new norm, especially for general dentistry offices without strong margins or growth. 🧯 2. Decreased PE Appetite for Over-Leveraged DSOs These receiverships serve as a wake-up call to private equity that scaling without strong operations, cash flow, and clinician retention is unsustainable. Future investors will emphasize fi...

  Tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable—and sometimes even unbearable. Whether it's a dull ache, sharp pain, or constant throbbing, it's your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. While it’s important to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible, we understand that you may need to wait a day or two before being seen. In the meantime, here are some practical steps you can take to manage the discomfort until you’re able to visit your dentist . Common Causes of Tooth Pain Understanding what might be causing your pain can help you manage it more effectively. Some of the most common causes include: Tooth decay or cavities A cracked or chipped tooth Gum infection or abscess Impacted wisdom teeth Sinus pressure or infection Teeth grinding or clenching What You Can Do at Home While these tips aren’t a substitute for professional care, they may help ease your discomfort until you can see your dentist : 1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water...

 Industry updates (like those from the Dykema annual conference) note that 23 DSOs have entered receivership in the past year, but the specific identities of those organizations are not disclosed in available legal, financial, or DSO trade publications. This lack of transparency is common. Receivership filings are typically single-case documents and may not be widely reported unless the DSO is a major national player or there are noteworthy creditor or legal implications. Most smaller to mid-sized DSOs in receivership quietly go through court proceedings without broader media coverage. 🕵️ Why the Specifics Aren’t Public Court filings are case-specific and rarely summarized via trade media. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality may restrict reporting in industry newsletters. Small DSOs often receive little mainstream attention when entering receivership. ✅ Recommended Next Steps if You're Monitoring: PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Re...

 As of mid‑2025, there isn't a single definitive source pinning down the exact current number of U.S. dental offices affiliated with DSOs. However, leading voices—including legal experts at Dykema and industry analysts—paint a clear picture: 📌 What Dykema Law & Thought Leaders Say 🏥 Total Consolidation Outlook Brian Colao, leader of Dykema’s DSO industry group, predicts 75–80% of dental practices will be consolidated into DSOs within the next 10–15 years.   📈 Industry Growth & Innovation In its March 2025 insight, Dykema described 2025 as a year of recovery and innovation for DSOs , underlining strong upward momentum. 🌐 Market Data & Projections from Other Sources Wikipedia (citing market research) reports that as of 2023, the DSO market was valued at $139.3 billion , with a projected 17.6% annual growth through 2030. While this doesn’t directly state practice counts, it does imply rapid expansion in both scale and reach. 🔍 Putti...

 As of mid-2025, the Dental Support Organization (DSO) movement continues to grow rapidly and reshape the landscape of dentistry in the U.S. Here's a detailed snapshot of where things stand: 📈 Current State of the DSO Movement (2025) 1. Market Penetration ~35–40% of dentists are now affiliated with a DSO—up from around 20–25% just five years ago. Among new dental school graduates , the DSO employment rate is over 60% , driven by student loan debt, work-life balance, and preference for mentorship. 2. Key Trends Consolidation accelerates : Private equity-backed DSOs are acquiring smaller group practices and solo offices aggressively. Shift to de novos : Large DSOs like Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental are increasingly favoring de novo (new build) strategies over acquisitions to maintain culture and systems from day one. Vertical integration : DSOs are adding labs, AI diagnostics (e.g., Overjet), and specialty services to reduce costs and improve margins...

 Here are the top dental -related developments in Indiana during 2025: 🏛️ 1. Indiana House Bill 1031: Interstate Dentist & Hygienist Compact The Indiana House passed HB 1031 allowing dentists and dental hygienists licensed in other compact states to practice in Indiana, boosting access in underserved areas. It includes provisions for military members and families to face fewer licensing hurdles   The bill now proceeds to the Indiana Senate. 💼 2. New Assignment‑of‑Benefits (AOB) Law Takes Effect SEA 132 , effective July 1, 2024, empowers patients to assign dental insurance benefits directly to providers. Insurers must now get consent before selling or leasing provider networks . This strengthens dentist autonomy and reduces insurer leverage over practice operations. ⚠️ 3. Sedation‑Related Death Investigated in Allen County A 62‑year‑old Ohio man, Larry L. Lewis, experienced cardiopulmonary arrest under sedation during a dental procedure in...

 At LADD Dental Group of Logansport , we are incredibly grateful to share two exciting updates that reflect our continued commitment to providing exceptional dental care for our amazing community. First and foremost, we are thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Noah Barrett to our Logansport dental family! Dr. Barrett brings a passion for compassionate, patient-centered care and a dedication to clinical excellence that aligns perfectly with our mission. His positive energy, attention to detail, and commitment to staying on the cutting edge of dental advancements make him a fantastic addition to our team. We are confident that our patients will love his calm and welcoming chairside manner, and we look forward to the incredible impact he will make in the lives of our patients and in the greater Logansport community. As our practice continues to grow, we’re also excited to announce the addition of two brand new, state-of-the-art dental operatories to our office! These new treatmen...

  Adult sedation dentistry is a specialized approach to dental care that helps patients feel relaxed, calm, and anxiety-free during dental procedures. It’s particularly helpful for individuals who experience dental fear, have a sensitive gag reflex, require extensive dental work , or struggle with sitting still for long periods. At LADD Dental Group , many adult patients love having this option available for several reasons: 🦷 What is Adult Sedation Dentistry ? Sedation dentistry typically involves the use of medication to help patients enter a deeply relaxed—but still conscious—state during treatment. LADD Dental Group offers options such as: Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) : A mild sedative that’s inhaled and wears off quickly. Oral Sedation : A prescribed pill taken before the appointment to induce a deeper state of relaxation. IV Sedation (offered at our Oral Surgery Center of Kokomo ): A deeper level of sedation administered intravenously for more complex proce...

 Across the United States, an alarming trend is putting children's oral health at risk— the legislative banning or removal of fluoride from public water systems . Once celebrated as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, community water fluoridation is now facing political and ideological backlash in numerous states and municipalities. The result? A quiet erosion of protection against tooth decay , especially for our most vulnerable population: children. 🚨 What’s Happening? Local governments across the U.S. are increasingly voting to ban or restrict the addition of fluoride in public water supplies. These bans are often driven by misinformation, fear-based campaigns, and misinterpretations of scientific studies. While the intention may be rooted in health concerns, the unintended consequences are now putting millions of children at risk for preventable dental disease . 🧒 Why It Matters for Children Dental decay remains the most common chroni...

 Since 2020, the dental profession has experienced significantly higher inflationary pressure than the overall U.S. economy — and this has been severely compounded by flat or stagnant dental insurance reimbursement rates . 📈 Key Comparison: Dental Inflation vs. Overall CPI (2020–2025) Metric 2020 2023 2025 (est.) % Change (2020–2025) Overall CPI (U.S.) 100 117.5 ~122.5 ~22.5% increase Dental Care CPI 100 114 ~121 ~21% increase Dental Wages Index = 100 ~125 ~135+ ~35%+ increase Dental Supplies/Consumables Index = 100 ~130 ~145 ~45% increase Dental Equipment Index = 100 ~120 ~130 ~30% increase Insurance Reimbursements Index = 100 ~101–103 ~102–105 ~2–5% increase (if any) 🔺 Verdict : Inflation in dental labor, supplies, and equipment has outpaced both general CPI and dental service CPI — Plus  reimbursements haven’t kept up. ⚠️ Biggest Inflationary Disruptions in Dentistry Labor Costs Hygienist, assistant, and front office wages have jumped 30–40%  or...

 To keep a dental practice attractive, competitive, and technology-driven , a general rule of thumb is to reinvest 5% to 10% of annual gross revenue each year. However, depending on your goals and competitive landscape, some high-growth practices may reinvest even more aggressively. 🧮 Typical Reinvestment Breakdown by Category Assuming a dental office earns $1 million in annual revenue , here’s a realistic reinvestment structure: Category Suggested % of Revenue Dollar Amount (on $1M revenue) Notes Technology & Equipment 3–6% $30,000–$60,000 Includes CBCT, scanners, CAD/CAM, AI software (like Overjet), etc. Facility Upgrades & Maintenance 1–2% $20,000–$40,000 Flooring, lighting, cabinetry, new chairs, A/V for ops. So for a $1M dental practice , total reinvestment should be $50,000 to $100,000 annually to stay modern and appealing. 📈 Key Technology Investments That Patients Notice Digital scanners (iTero, Primescan, or Medit) 3D CBCT imaging AI diagnosti...

 📈 How Much Consolidation Is Expected (2025–2035)? Consolidation in dentistry is accelerating—and it's nowhere near done. Current Status (2024–2025): Around 25–30% of U.S. dental practices are affiliated with DSOs. Some states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida are seeing 40%+ DSO penetration. Forecast for 2035: 50–70% of dental practices are projected to be consolidated under DSO ownership within 10 years. Growth will be strongest in general dentistry , oral surgery , and orthodontics, but pedodontics and endo are catching up fast. 🧠 Key Drivers of Consolidation Aging solo practitioners looking to sell and retire. Rising operational costs (equipment, labor, tech) driving small practices to seek scale. Younger dentists preferring employment over ownership. Regulatory pressure and payer complexity making it harder to go it alone. ⚠️ Bottom Line for Independent Practices: Expect continued competition from DSO-backed groups. Practic...

  Dental discount plans like Ladd Dental Group’s Dental One Discount Plan can often be superior to traditional dental insurance for helping patients save money on their care—especially for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or want more transparent, hassle-free access to care. Here’s why: 🦷 1. No Premiums, No Annual Maximums Traditional insurance: Patients pay monthly premiums whether they use the plan or not, and most plans cap annual benefits (often around $1,000–$1,500). Dental One Discount Plan: No monthly premiums. Patients pay a low annual membership fee and get unlimited savings throughout the year. 💰 2. Transparent, Upfront Savings Insurance: Copays, deductibles, and unclear reimbursement schedules make it hard for patients to know what they owe. Dental One: Offers predictable discounts (often 20–100%) on dental prophecies, fillings, crowns, and more—patients know exactly what they’ll pay, with no surprises . ⏱️ 3. No Waiting Periods or...

 For many dentists , it has been over 10 to 15 years since most dental insurance companies significantly increased their provider fee schedules . Here's a breakdown: Stagnant Reimbursements : Most major dental insurance plans (like Delta Dental, MetLife, and United Concordia) have not consistently increased their reimbursement rates for dental procedures over the past decade. Inflation Disconnect : While the cost of providing care (e.g. wages, lab fees, materials, utilities, equipment) has risen sharply , insurance fee schedules have remained flat or even decreased in some regions. Notable Examples : In many states, Delta Dental fee schedules have not changed meaningfully in 10+ years unless the dentist renegotiates individually or joins a newer plan tier. Some states, like California, have passed legislation (e.g. AB 1048) trying to push for fairer rates and premium reviews. Impact on Dentistry: Profit margins are shrinking , especially for solo and...