Ladd Dental Group

  Java House  has quickly become one of the most visible emerging brands in INDYCAR through its partnership with Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR).  What started as a sponsorship evolved into a much deeper motorsports investment after Heartland Food Products Group CEO Ted Gelov became co-owner of ECR in 2024. The “Java House Racing Team” most fans refer to is essentially the Java House-backed ECR effort featuring: Alexander Rossi — No. 20 Java House Chevrolet Christian Rasmussen — No. 21 Chevrolet Ed Carpenter — No. 33 Chevrolet (select oval races) One of the more interesting aspects of the partnership is that it is very Indiana-centric : Java House is headquartered in Indianapolis ECR is based in Indianapolis Ted Gelov and Heartland Food Products Group are Indiana-based The program heavily markets Hoosier manufacturing and business growth Java House’s involvement expanded rapidly during 2025–2026: Title sponsor of the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca Multi-year t...

 In the heart of downtown Rushville stands one of Indiana’s most beautiful and historic landmarks — the iconic Rush County Courthouse. Towering above the city square with its magnificent clock tower, stone exterior, and timeless architecture, the courthouse is far more than just a government building. It is a symbol of the pride, resilience, and character that has defined Rush County for generations. For anyone who has driven through Rushville, it is nearly impossible to miss the courthouse rising above the surrounding streets. It serves as both the physical and symbolic center of the community — a reminder that small towns often carry some of the richest history in America. The current Rush County Courthouse was constructed in 1896 and designed by the architectural firm A.W. Rush & Sons of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the structure features rock-faced stone, dramatic arches, ornate detailing, and a stunning 196-foot clock tower that st...

 At LADD Dental Group,  we are always inspired by the stories of Indiana innovators who helped shape their communities through vision, persistence, and craftsmanship. One of the most fascinating examples comes from Rush County, Indiana: the invention of the J.D. Adams Leaning Wheel Grader. While it may seem unusual to connect road construction equipment to dentistry , the deeper story behind the J.D. Adams Company carries powerful lessons about innovation, operational excellence, leadership, and long-term community investment that still apply today. The Innovation That Changed Road Construction The J.D. Adams Company was founded in Rushville, Indiana by Jonathan Dixon Adams in the late 1800s. The company became nationally known for developing the “leaning wheel grader,” a major advancement in road construction technology.  Before this invention, maintaining and grading roads was far more labor intensive and less efficient. Adams’ design allowed operators to angle and stab...

At LADD Dental Group,  we believe great organizations are built on more than clinical excellence. They are built on leadership, service, education, community investment, and long-term vision. That is why the story of Dr. Jefferson Helm of Rush County, Indiana continues to resonate so strongly today. Dr. Jefferson Helm was not only a physician — he was a pioneer, educator, civic leader, landowner, constitutional delegate, and community builder whose impact extended far beyond healthcare. His legacy offers timeless principles that modern dental organizations can still learn from and apply today. A Life Built Around Service Dr. Helm settled in early Indiana during a time when communities were still being formed. He became known throughout Rush County as a skilled physician and influential leader who helped shape both the healthcare system and the civic structure of the region. He served on the committee to help draft Indiana’s Constitution, worked in state government, contributed to ...

 At LADD Dental Group,  we believe the best relationships are built through genuine connection, laughter, and shared experiences — and recently, we had the opportunity to experience all three during our very first Dog Treat Review! One of the things we value most at LADD Dental Group is being intentional about the relationships we build within the communities we serve. Dentistry is about far more than appointments and procedures — it’s about trust, familiarity, and creating meaningful connections with people both inside and outside of the dental office . Events like our Dog Treat Review allow us to engage with our community in a fun, approachable, and authentic way. It gives us the opportunity to spend time with families in a relaxed environment, learn more about the people we care for, and simply enjoy being part of the community together. Here at LADD Dental Group , we are committed to continuing to find creative and meaningful ways to stay connected with the people we ser...

 At LADD Dental Group,  one of the most rewarding parts of what we do goes far beyond dentistry — it’s the opportunity to build genuine relationships within the communities we proudly serve every single day. The Farmers Market brings together local families, small businesses, community organizations, and neighbors in such a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. From fresh produce and handmade goods to smiling faces and meaningful conversations, it was a perfect example of what makes the Noblesville community so special. Our dental team loved connecting with both longtime patients and new faces throughout the morning. Whether we were discussing oral health tips, meeting local families, or simply enjoying the beautiful day together, every interaction reinforced how fortunate we are to care for such an amazing community. At LADD Dental Group , we believe dentistry is about more than just teeth — it’s about people. We are passionate about supporting the towns and cities we serve ...

 Your smile is some of the most valuable “real estate” you own — and protecting it starts with the small habits you do every day. Brushing your teeth properly twice a day and maintaining good oral hygiene is about far more than just having a bright smile. It helps protect your teeth, gums, bone structure, and overall health for the long term. Once decay, gum disease, or tooth loss begin, restoring that damage can become costly, time-consuming, and invasive. Prevention is always the better investment. Think of your mouth like high-value property: Daily brushing removes harmful plaque and bacteria before they can cause damage. Flossing protects the hard-to-reach areas between teeth where problems often start. Regular professional dental cleanings help catch small issues before they become major repairs. Healthy gums and bone help support and preserve your natural teeth for decades. Just like you maintain a home, vehicle, or business asset, your oral health requires c...

 Dear Valued Patients, We are excited to share some wonderful news with you! Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sai Malpeddi to the LADDDental Group family. Dr. Sai will begin seeing patients full-time at our LADDDental Group of Bunker Hill location starting Monday, August 17th. Dr. Sai is deeply committed to providing exceptional patient care and takes great pride in building lasting relationships with his patients. His approach to dentistry focuses not only on clinical excellence, but also on ensuring each patient feels comfortable, heard, and confident in their care. We are confident that Dr. Sai will be a fantastic addition to our team and a trusted provider for our Bunker Hill community. We look forward to the opportunity for you to meet him soon! Thank you for continuing to trust LADD Dental Group with your dental care . Warm regards, LADD Dental Group of Bunker Hill  

 Brushing your teeth seems simple—but doing it properly makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your smile long-term. ✅ The Proper Way to Brush: • Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush • Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline • Use gentle, circular motions —not aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing • Don’t forget the gumline, back teeth, and tongue • Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months (or sooner if frayed) ⚠️ Common Mistakes We See: • Brushing too hard (this can damage enamel and gums) • Rushing (most people only brush for ~45 seconds) • Skipping flossing altogether • Ignoring bleeding gums (this is often a sign of inflammation—not something to brush harder!) 💡 Why Oral Hygiene Matters: Good oral hygiene isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s about your overall health. • Helps prevent cavities and gum disease • Reduces risk of bad breath • Supports your heart health and systemic health • Pro...

T here are clear signs inflation is re-accelerating in 2026 , and expectations have been revised upward, though there’s still a wide range depending on the scenario. 📈 What’s happening right now (2026 data) U.S. CPI jumped to ~3.3% in March 2026 , up sharply from 2.4% just a month earlier Monthly inflation spiked 0.9% , the fastest since 2022 The main driver: energy (especially gasoline) tied to geopolitical shocks Even the Fed’s preferred measure (PCE) is running around ~3.5% YoY , still well above the 2% target 👉 Bottom line: inflation bottomed in early 2026 and is now moving back up , largely due to energy + second-order effects. 🔮 Updated inflation expectations for 2026 1. “Base case” (Fed / mainstream economists) Fed forecast: ~2.7% inflation in 2026 (recently revised UP) J.P. Morgan: ~3.2% U.S. core inflation Market-implied expectations: ~3.3% CPI 👉 Consensus has shifted from “back to 2%” → “stuck around ~3%” 2. Upside risk scenario (incre...

 SBA lending in 2025 wasn’t just “common”—it was historically elevated , and that actually tells you quite a bit about the underlying macro setup heading into 2026. 1) How common was SBA lending in 2025? The SBA guaranteed ~85,000 loans totaling about $45 billion in FY2025 — an all-time record. That followed already strong 2024 levels (~$50B), meaning multiple consecutive years of heavy government-backed credit expansion . Roughly 20% of small business borrowers specifically sought SBA financing , making it a meaningful (but not dominant) channel within the broader credit ecosystem. There was also a shift in composition: Fewer total loans but larger average sizes (more capital flowing to stronger borrowers). Larger 7(a) loans made up a disproportionate share of total dollars. 👉 Bottom line: SBA lending was high in volume, but increasingly concentrated and selective . 2) What does that signal about the macro backdrop? SBA lending is a very specific signa...

 We couldn’t be more proud of our future doctor, Bala Sankuratri , on this incredible achievement! Bala recently graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry with Research Honors and was recognized with the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence —a testament to his dedication, curiosity, and commitment to advancing the field of dentistry . He credits much of this accomplishment to the mentorship and guidance of Drs. Aline Castilho and Grace Gomez , along with the support of his colleagues Dr. Sanjana Madarapu and Dr. Iqra Walayat throughout the journey. Bala is excited to carry this research-driven mindset and clinical excellence into private practice, and we’re confident that his patients—and our team—will benefit greatly from his passion for dentistry and patient care. Please join us in congratulating Bala on this outstanding milestone! 

 We are incredibly grateful and honored to celebrate Dr. Harold Smith and his remarkable dental career. Dr. Smith began his journey in the Air Force, and over the past 30+ years, he has made a lasting impact—not only through the exceptional care he’s provided to countless Indiana families, but also through the mentorship and clinical guidance he’s shared with so many of our doctors. His influence will be felt for generations to come. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Smith’s incredible legacy at his retirement party: 📅 Friday, June 12th ⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM 📍 Inventrek Building | Kokomo, IN We would love to see you there as we honor a truly remarkable person and career! 

It is with deep gratitude and genuine honor that we celebrate Dr. Harold Smith and his truly remarkable dental career. Dr. Smith’s journey began with service to our country in the United States Air Force—a foundation that shaped not only his clinical excellence, but also his discipline, integrity, and commitment to others. Those values have carried through every chapter of his career and have been felt by everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him or sitting in his chair. For more than 30 years, Dr. Smith has been a cornerstone of care for Indiana families. Generations of patients have trusted him with their smiles, and in return, he has delivered not only exceptional dentistry, but compassion, consistency, and a level of care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Beyond his impact on patients, Dr. Smith’s influence within LADD Dental Group runs just as deep. He has played a vital role in mentoring and developing our doctors—sharing his clinical expertise, g...

 We’re incredibly grateful to be featured in Becker’s Dental + DSO Review . Being included in a publication that’s so respected across the dental industry is an honor—and a reflection of the people, partnerships, and patients that make what we do possible every day. Professional coverage like Becker’s plays an important role in our field. It brings transparency to the industry, highlights innovation, and keeps dental leaders connected to the trends and challenges shaping the future of care. We’re thankful to be part of that conversation and proud to represent our team and communities on a national stage. 

 For nearly five decades, it has been our privilege to serve the Kokomo community. Since 1978, we’ve had the honor of caring for generations of families—watching kids grow up, welcoming new dental patients , and building relationships that go far beyond dentistry . That kind of trust isn’t something we take lightly. Kokomo isn’t just where we work—it’s home. And we’re incredibly grateful for every patient, every family, and every story that has walked through our doors over the years. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your lives since 1978. Here’s to continuing to serve this amazing community for many years to come. ❤️ 

Heavy Treasury refinancing + a (re)expanding Fed balance sheet typically means liquidity is rising, but so is long-term uncertainty around rates, inflation, and asset values . That’s not a doomsday setup—but it is an environment where positioning matters a lot. For a dental group, I’d think about this in three layers: balance sheet, operations, and strategy. 1. Balance Sheet: Don’t get caught on the wrong side of rates Even if the Fed is adding liquidity, the Treasury issuing massive debt can keep longer-term rates elevated (or at least volatile). Implications: Floating-rate debt is a risk Refinancing windows may be unpredictable Lenders get more selective late-cycle What to do: Lock in fixed-rate debt where you can (or hedge floating exposure) Avoid over-leveraging on acquisitions assuming “easy refinancing later” Build cash reserves (3–6 months of expenses minimum for multi-site groups) If you’re planning a large project (buildout, equipment), consider pull...

 🧩 The actual situation (by category) 1) Auto loans & negative equity ~ 29% of trade-ins have negative equity Average negative equity: ~$7,200 (many >$10k) Total auto debt: ~$1.65–1.67 trillion What it means: People are rolling old debt into new loans → “permanent car payments” This is a cash flow trap , not a banking crisis (yet) It reduces future consumption because income is already committed 👉 Risk level: Moderate, but corrosive over time 2) Mortgage stress (FHA / lower-income borrowers) Overall mortgage delinquency still relatively low (~1–4%) BUT: Sharp rise in lower-income / FHA borrowers FHA delinquency rates materially higher than conventional loans rising delinquency rates concentration in financially weaker households What it means: This is not 2008 (no widespread housing collapse) It is a stress signal at the margin , especially for first-time buyers 👉 Risk level: Contained, but a leading indicator 3) Stu...