Ladd Dental Group

 Across the dental profession, practice owners and clinicians are feeling it: doing more dentistry , seeing more patients, and yet margins continue to tighten. While there are several contributing factors, one stands above the rest as the single biggest driver of margin compression in dentistry today. Labor. Labor Costs Are Rising Faster Than Revenue Staff wages, benefits, and recruitment costs have increased dramatically over the past several years. Hygienists, assistants, and front-office team members are in high demand, and the supply has not kept pace. Many practices have experienced: 20–40% increases in hygiene wages Higher overtime costs due to staffing shortages Signing bonuses, temp staffing, and recruiting fees Increased benefit costs to remain competitive At the same time, reimbursement rates—especially from PPOs—have remained largely flat. When your largest expense grows rapidly but your revenue per procedure doesn’t, margins get squeezed. Hygiene E...

 As the year comes to a close, all of us at LADD Dental Group want to take a moment to say thank you . We are incredibly grateful for another year of serving Indiana families and being trusted with something so personal and important—your smiles. Grateful for Our Patients and Communities From first dental visits and routine checkups to life‑changing restorative care and confident new smiles, it has been an honor to care for patients across our Indiana communities. Your loyalty, referrals, and kind words mean more to us than we can ever fully express. Every appointment is a reminder that dentistry is about people first—families, relationships, and long‑term health. We are thankful that you choose LADD Dental Group as your dental home . Appreciation for Our Incredible Team We are equally grateful for our outstanding doctors, hygienists, assistants, and support team members. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence are what make our practices special. Day in and d...

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe great dentistry starts with great people. Our Huntington, Indiana practice is growing, and we’re excited to invite a motivated, patient-focused Associate Dentist to join our collaborative, doctor-led team. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or a recent graduate looking for strong mentorship, LADD Dental Group of Huntington offers an environment where you can focus on delivering excellent care—without the burnout that often comes with managing everything alone. Why LADD Dental Group of Huntington? 🦷 A Doctor-First Culture We are proudly doctor-led , not corporate-driven. Our leadership understands dentistry because we practice it. Clinical autonomy, ethical treatment planning, and long-term patient relationships are at the core of everything we do. 🤝 Built-In Support So You Can Focus on Dentistry Our associates enjoy the advantages of a larger group while maintaining the feel of a close-knit practice: Centralized marketing, HR, billing,...

 Associate Dentist Opportunities in Peru & Huntington , Indiana At LADD Dental Group , we believe great dentistry starts with supported dentists. As we continue to grow in Peru and Huntington , Indiana , we’re excited to welcome associate dentists who want more than just a place to work—they want a place to thrive . Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for mentorship or an experienced clinician seeking balance, autonomy, and long-term opportunity, LADD Dental Group is built to help you practice at the highest level of your license while enjoying a fulfilling career. Why Dentists Choose LADD Dental Group 🦷 Clinical Autonomy with Real Support We believe dentists should focus on patient care—not paperwork, staffing stress, or supply logistics. Our associates enjoy: Freedom to diagnose and treatment plan ethically A strong, experienced clinical team at each location Operational and administrative support that removes daily friction You make the clinical ...

  How Dental Practice Consolidation Is Raising the Standard of Care Over the past several years, dentistry has been evolving. You may have heard about dental groups and DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) growing and partnering with local practices. While change can sometimes sound concerning, this shift is actually great news for patients . At LADD Dental Group , we believe that responsible growth and consolidation allow us to deliver better care, better technology, and a better overall patient experience —without losing the personal, hometown feel patients value. Here’s why dental group consolidation is a positive development for patients. 1. More Investment in Advanced Technology 🦷 Modern dentistry is rapidly advancing, but cutting-edge technology comes at a cost. Larger dental groups can invest in: Digital scanners instead of messy impressions 3D imaging for safer, more precise diagnoses AI-assisted X-ray analysis for earlier detection These tools improve ...

 Staff recruitment and retention have become the number one concern for dentists in 2025 , according to the American Dental Association. Across the country, practices are feeling the pressure of a shrinking labor pool, increased competition for talent, and burnout among clinical and administrative team members. At LADD Dental Group , we believe dentists should be able to focus on what they do best — providing exceptional patient care — not constantly worrying about hiring, turnover, or staffing gaps. That’s why we’ve built systems, support, and a culture specifically designed to help our dentists recruit great people and keep them long‑term. A Centralized Recruiting Advantage One of the biggest challenges for individual practices is time. Recruiting, screening, interviewing, and onboarding can quickly pull dentists away from patients and production. We help solve this by offering: Centralized recruiting support that actively sources candidates Professional job postings and emp...

  Dental patients generally prefer a dentist who focuses on production per hour rather than production per procedure because the hourly mindset aligns far more closely with what patients actually value: time, comfort, fairness, and trust. Here’s a clear, patient-friendly breakdown of why: ✅ 1. Production per Hour = More Efficient Visits When a dentist thinks in terms of productivity per hour, they naturally aim to use the patient’s time wisely. That means: Fewer, more efficient appointments Consolidating treatment when appropriate Shorter chair time without feeling rushed Less time off work or away from family Patients appreciate a dentist who respects their schedule and strives to maximize each visit. ✅ 2. Hourly Mindset = Less Financial Pressure on Individual Procedures A “production per procedure” mindset can unintentionally incentivize: More procedures Higher-priced procedures Unnecessary segmentation of care An hourly mindset instead encou...

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe that exceptional dentistry isn’t just about teeth — it’s about people. For many patients, visiting the dentist can bring real anxiety, and we’ve always been committed to creating an environment where every patient feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. That’s why we are truly grateful to be able to offer something special to our more anxious patients: Anna, our gentle and comforting dental support dog. Who Is Anna? Anna is our trained and temperament-tested support dog who has quickly become a beloved member of the LADD Dental Group family. With her calm personality, warm presence, and natural ability to help people relax, Anna has transformed the dental experience for so many of our patients. Why We Chose to Bring a Dental Support Dog Into Our Practice Dental fear affects millions of people. Some patients postpone or even avoid needed care because of stress or anxiety. We wanted a solution that felt human, compassionate, and comfortin...

 Digital dentistry refers to the use of advanced digital tools, imaging systems, software, and manufacturing technologies to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and the overall patient experience. It replaces many traditional manual methods with faster, more precise, and more comfortable digital processes. Below is a clear explanation and how we specifically incorporated at LADD Dental Group . ⭐ What Is Digital Dentistry? Digital dentistry uses technology such as: 1. Intraoral Scanners Replaces traditional impression material. Creates highly accurate 3D images of teeth—instantly. 2. Digital X-Rays & 3D CBCT Imaging Provides clearer, more detailed images with far less radiation than older X-rays. 3. AI-Enhanced Diagnostics Artificial intelligence systems (like Overjet) help dentists detect decay, bone loss, and other issues earlier and more accurately. 4. Digital Treatment Planning Software that allows dentists to plan procedures with precision—orthodontics, ...

  Digital dentistry — and specifically partnering with Dandy — brings a wide range of benefits that patients feel immediately. Here are the clearest, most patient-centric advantages: ⭐ Top Patient Benefits of Dandy & Digital Dentistry 1. Faster, More Comfortable Appointments No more goopy, gag-inducing impressions. Dandy’s digital scanners create clean, accurate 3D models in seconds. Patients spend less time in the chair and experience a far more comfortable visit. 2. Better Fitting Crowns, Bridges, Nightguards & Aligners Digital impressions are far more precise , which means: Fewer adjustments Fewer remakes Fewer follow-up visits Patients receive restorations that fit right the first time. 3. Faster Turnaround Times Dandy’s fully digital workflow cuts out delays. Crowns and appliances arrive quickly , allowing patients to finish treatment faster. 4. Higher Quality Restorations Dandy uses advanced digital fabrication, givin...

 At LADD Dental Group , we are always looking for ways to elevate the care we provide and the experience our patients have in our offices. That’s why we are incredibly grateful for the Dandy team and the exceptional digital workflow training they’ve provided to our doctors and team members. Dandy’s commitment to innovation and education has helped our team become more confident, more efficient, and more precise in how we deliver care. Their hands-on training has empowered us to fully integrate digital dentistry into our daily processes, creating a smoother and more streamlined experience from the moment a patient sits in the chair. Why This Partnership Matters Partnering with Dandy allows us to bring the latest dental technology directly to our patients. Digital workflows mean: More comfortable impressions with advanced scanning technology Faster turnaround times for crowns, bridges, and other restorations Improved accuracy for better-fitting, longer-lasting results ...

 At LADD Dental Group , we are always looking for ways to elevate our patient experience and deliver the highest quality dentistry possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Dandy , a cutting-edge digital dental lab that is transforming how practices design, create, and deliver restorations. This partnership isn’t just exciting for our dental team — it brings real, meaningful benefits directly to you, our patient . Here’s how. 1. Faster Turnaround Times for Crowns, Veneers, and Bridges Traditional dental lab work can take weeks. With Dandy’s fully digital workflow, your restorations are crafted with incredible efficiency and precision. What this means for you: Fewer appointments Less time away from work or family Restorations delivered faster without compromising quality 2. No More Messy Impressions If you’ve ever had a traditional impression taken, you know it can be uncomfortable. Dandy replaces all of that with state-of-the-art...

 Choosing the right dental home is one of the most important decisions you can make for your oral health—and your family’s. For patients in Westfield, Indiana , LADD Dental Group of Westfield offers a unique blend of compassionate care, modern technology, and a truly patient-first approach. If you’re looking for a dentist you can trust, here are the top reasons local patients are making the switch to our Westfield office. 1. A Warm, Friendly Team That Treats You Like Family At LADD Dental Group of Westfield , we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients of all ages. From the moment you walk in, our team makes it a priority to get to know you, understand your needs, and ensure your appointment runs smoothly. Dental visits shouldn’t feel stressful—and with us, they don’t. 2. Comprehensive Dental Care Under One Roof Whether you need a routine cleaning, a same-day emergency appointment, or long-term restorative care, we’ve got you covere...

 Here are the most important things to know and prepare for a child’s first dental appointment , whether they're a toddler or slightly older. A smooth first visit sets the tone for a lifetime of positive dental experiences . ⭐ Key Things to Be Aware Of for Your Child’s First Dental Appointment 1. The First Dental Office Visit Should Happen Early The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age 1 , or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits help catch issues like decay, tongue-tie, or oral habits before they become bigger problems. 2. It's Mostly About Comfort, Not Procedures A first visit is usually: A “ happy visit ” to introduce them to the sights and sounds of a dental office A short exam of teeth, gums, bite, and habits Possibly a toothbrush cleaning or fluoride, depending on comfort level A chance to answer parents’ questions No drilling, no long procedures — the focus is confidence and trust . ...