Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from 2026

Dental Team | Grateful Dentists

 ðŸ’– At LADD Dental Group , we’re incredibly grateful for the people and relationships that make our work so meaningful. For more than 20 years, Dr. Smith and Sue have worked hand in hand, proudly serving our North Central Indiana community with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to excellent patient care. Their partnership is a great example of what makes dentistry so special — trusted relationships, teamwork, and a genuine passion for helping others. It’s relationships like these that remind us that dentistry is about so much more than teeth. It’s about people, community, and the trust built over years of caring for patients and families. Thank you, Dr. Smith and Sue, for the impact you’ve made and for the example you continue to set for our team and our community. We are grateful for you and for the many relationships that make LADD Dental Group what it is today.

Operational Density | Our Unique Value Proposition

 At LADD Dental Group , we often get asked what makes our organization different from many other growing dental groups. The answer is something we think about every day: operational density . Rather than spreading locations across multiple states or distant markets, we have intentionally built a network of 10 dental offices within a focused geographic footprint here in Central and Northeast Indiana. This strategy allows us to support our doctors, teams, and patients in ways that a more scattered model simply cannot. Staying Local on Purpose In many industries, growth is often defined by expansion into as many markets as possible. But dentistry is different. Dentistry is fundamentally a people-driven profession , built on relationships between doctors, teams, and the communities they serve. By concentrating our practices within a specific region, we are able to stay deeply connected to the communities we serve while building a strong operational foundation behind the scenes....

Dental Vendor Partnerships That Enhance Clinical Trust & Performance

 In today’s rapidly evolving dental landscape, success isn’t just measured by the quality of care you deliver — it’s also determined by how well your practice operates . From clinical outcomes to team morale, from patient experience to financial performance, the partners you choose directly influence nearly every aspect of your dental organization. Whether you’re a single-location practice or a multi-site group, having strategic relationships with the right vendors, platforms, and support providers isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Here’s why the right dental partners matter, and how companies like Patterson , Denticon , Dandy , Air Pay , Overjet , and Accelerated Academy help practices thrive. 1. Supporting Clinical Excellence At the heart of every great dental practice is stellar clinical care — and that starts with the right technology and training. Overjet brings cutting-edge AI to your diagnostic process, helping clinicians detect pathology faster and with higher a...

Online New Patient Scheduling | Dental Patient Experience

 At LADD Dental Group , we are always asking one simple question: How can we make it easier for patients to say “yes” to their dental health? That’s why we are excited to officially roll out online new patient scheduling across our locations. This is more than a technology upgrade. It’s a commitment to accessibility, convenience, and putting the patient first — just like Mary Ladd always says: “Put the patient first, and the money will follow.” Meeting Patients Where They Are Today’s patients expect convenience. They book flights online. They order groceries online. They schedule medical appointments online. Now, new patients can schedule their first visit with us anytime — whether it’s 10:00 AM on a Tuesday or 10:00 PM after the kids go to bed. For many people — especially those with dental anxiety — taking that first step is the hardest part. Online scheduling removes friction and makes saying “yes” to care feel simple. Why This Matters for Our Communities Across In...

Joint Venture Dental Model | JV Dental Ownership

There’s no one “best” model that fits every dentist — but joint ventures (JVs) are increasingly seen as one of the most strategic dental practice models in 2026 , especially for doctors who want ownership + operational support without the full burden of solo business risk. Here’s a breakdown of where the JV model fits in the current dental landscape: 🔑 What a Joint Venture Typically Is A joint venture in dentistry usually means a dentist partners with a Dental Support Organization (DSO) or group entity where: The DSO buys a majority equity stake (often 51–80%) of the practice. The dentist retains a substantial minority equity stake (often 20–49%). Both parties share profits and expenses through a JV entity. The DSO provides business infrastructure (HR, billing, recruiting, marketing, etc.). The dentist typically signs an employment agreement tied to the JV. This gives clinicians a balance between ownership and support — you’re not fully selling out, but you...

Dental Owner vs Associate Through The Lens of Provider Burnout

 When an owner dentist earns $5,000 more per month ($60,000/year) than an associate but works 260 additional hours per year to earn it, the financial math is only part of the story. Through the lens of provider burnout , it becomes much more significant. The Burnout Equation 260 extra hours per year = 5 extra hours per week The equivalent of adding ~6.5 additional 40-hour work weeks annually That’s not just “a little more work.” That’s essentially another month and a half of full-time labor — layered on top of clinical dentistry , leadership responsibilities, financial risk, and operational oversight. When that incremental effort only yields $60,000 more per year, the industry has to ask: Is ownership still delivering a proportional return — financially and personally? 1. Ownership Stress Is Different From Associate Stress An associate’s stress is primarily clinical: Production pressure Patient outcomes Schedule flow An owner’s stress is layered: ...

ADA 2024 Dental Data | Dental Owner vs Dental Associate

 When owner dentists make $60,000 more per year than associates but have to work on average  an extra 260 hours per year to earn it, it says a lot about margins, risk, and the changing value proposition of ownership in dentistry. Let’s break it down. The Math $5,000 more per month for owners = $60,000 more per year 260 additional hours worked per year = about 5 extra hours per week $60,000 ÷ 260 hours = ~$230 per extra hour What This Means for the Dental Industry 1. The Ownership Premium Is Shrinking Historically, ownership meant: Significant income upside Equity growth Wealth creation If the income gap narrows to $60,000 annually — and requires significantly more time and stress — the financial incentive to own becomes less compelling, especially for younger dentists graduating with heavy debt. This partly explains why: More dentists are choosing associate roles Large DSOs are able to recruit talent more easily Fewer dentists are pu...

Co-Marketing with Industry Leaders: Elevating Patient Care in 2026

 As we look ahead to 2026, one of our biggest strategic priorities is simple—but powerful: intentional co-marketing with best-in-class dental partners . Dentistry is evolving rapidly. Technology, patient financing, digital workflows, and clinical innovation are moving faster than ever before. We believe the best way to keep delivering exceptional care is by collaborating closely with organizations that share our commitment to growth, service, and innovation. That’s why we’re proud to be deepening relationships and launching co-marketing initiatives with outstanding partners like Dandy , AirPay , Patterson Dental , and Denticon —with even more collaborations on the horizon. Why Co-Marketing Matters More Than Ever Co-marketing is about more than shared logos or joint announcements. At its best, it creates aligned value for patients, team members, and the broader dental community . Through strategic collaboration, we’re able to: Introduce patients to innovative treatment so...

Peoplr Partnership | Investing in our People

 At LADD Dental Group , we have always believed that our people are the heartbeat of our organization. The care we provide to our patients begins with the care, support, and investment we pour into our team members. That’s why we are incredibly excited to announce our new partnership with Peoplr — a collaboration that represents a major step forward in enhancing our workplace culture and team experience. Investing in Our Greatest Asset — Our People As we continue to grow across our communities, maintaining a strong, people-first culture is essential. Partnering with Peoplr allows us to be intentional and strategic in how we support, develop, and empower every team member across LADD Dental Group . Peoplr brings deep expertise in human resources, talent development, and organizational culture. Their partnership will help us ensure that our systems, communication, and leadership development pathways continue to evolve alongside our growth. What This Partnership Means for Our Team ...

Our Dental Community | Establishing Patient Trust

 At LADD Dental Group , community isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a foundational pillar of who we are and how we serve. Dentistry , at its core, is a people-first profession. Every smile we care for belongs to a neighbor, a family member, a co-worker, or a friend. That perspective shapes every decision we make, from how we design our patient experience to how we communicate outside the walls of our offices. We believe that when a dental practice is deeply rooted in its community, patients feel it. They see it in the way they’re greeted, in the transparency of conversations about treatment, and in the consistency of care over time. Trust isn’t built in a single appointment — it’s developed through relationships, education, and authentic connection. Community Means Showing Up — Even Outside the Office For us, community involvement extends far beyond clinical dentistry . Whether we’re supporting local schools, sponsoring events, partnering with charities, or investing in outreach initia...

Grateful for our Dental Community | 4,000 YouTube Subscribers

 At LADD Dental Group , community and gratitude are more than just words — they are two of our core values that guide everything we do. That’s why reaching 4,000 YouTube subscribers is such a meaningful milestone for our team. We are incredibly grateful for every single person who has chosen to follow along with us, engage with our content, and support what we’re building. Our goal with YouTube has never simply been to grow a channel. It has always been to create a space where patients, families, and community members can feel connected, informed, and empowered when it comes to their dental health and the profession at large. Whether we’re sharing patient education, behind-the-scenes moments, team highlights, community events, dental industry news or new technology we’re excited about — we hope our passion for dentistry and for people shines through in every video. Dentistry is, at its heart, a people business. The trust our patients place in us means everything, and platforms...

Dandy Clear Aligners | Clear Braces Near Me

  Clear aligner therapy has transformed orthodontics by making treatment more comfortable, discreet, and lifestyle-friendly compared to traditional braces. 1) Nearly Invisible Appearance Clear aligners are made of transparent medical-grade plastic, making them very difficult to notice. Ideal for working professionals, teens, and adults No metal brackets or wires in photos or meetings Popular systems like Dandy and Align Technology (maker of Invisalign) have driven widespread adult adoption. 2) Comfortable Dental Treatment Unlike braces: No metal brackets rubbing cheeks or lips No wire tightening appointments Smooth plastic edges reduce irritation Patients typically experience less soreness overall, especially after the initial adjustment period. 3) Removable Convenience Aligners can be removed for: Eating and drinking Brushing and flossing Special events or photos This leads to: Better oral hygiene during treatment No food restric...

Dental Appointments in Westfield | Dentist Near Me

If you’re searching for a dental appointment in Westfield , you’re not alone. With Westfield’s rapid growth and thriving neighborhoods, more families and professionals are looking for convenient, high-quality dental care close to home. Whether you’re new to the area, overdue for a checkup, or experiencing dental discomfort, finding the right dental office can make all the difference in your experience and long-term oral health. Why Regular Dental Visits Matter Many patients begin their search when something hurts—but preventive care is the real key to a healthy smile. Routine dental visits help: Detect cavities early Prevent gum disease Identify oral cancer risk factors Maintain fresh breath and a bright smile Avoid costly, complex procedures later Most dentists recommend checkups and cleanings every six months, though some patients may need more frequent visits based on their oral health history. What to Look for in a Westfield Dental Office Not all dental practices are the same....