Ladd Dental Group

 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...

 If you’ve noticed more dental offices stepping away from insurance networks, you’re not imagining it. Across the country, dentists are re-evaluating their participation with insurance plans—and in many cases, choosing to go out-of-network altogether. At the center of this shift is a simple reality: the cost of delivering care is rising faster than what insurance companies are willing to pay. Let’s break down what’s driving this trend and what it means moving forward. The Squeeze: Rising Costs vs. Flat Reimbursements Running a dental practice in 2025 looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Dental equipment and materials are up approximately 6% Wages are rising faster than inflation , especially for hygienists and dental assistants Overhead costs—from rent to technology—continue to climb At the same time, insurance reimbursement rates have remained largely unchanged . This creates a growing gap: The cost to provide care is increasing… but the amount dentists are p...

 Proper drainage on a farm is one of those unglamorous things that quietly determines whether everything else works—or doesn’t. 🌱 Why proper drainage matters 1. Protects crop yields Crops don’t just need water—they need oxygen at the root level . When soil is waterlogged: Roots suffocate (lack of oxygen) Nutrient uptake drops Disease risk increases (root rot, fungal issues) 👉 Even a few days of standing water at the wrong time can cut yields significantly . 2. Improves soil structure Good drainage keeps soil: Firm enough to support equipment Loose enough for roots to grow Without it: Soil becomes compacted Pores collapse Long-term productivity declines 3. Extends the growing window Well-drained fields: Dry out faster in spring → earlier planting Stay workable after rain → fewer delays 👉 Timing is everything in farming, and drainage buys you time. 4. Prevents erosion and runoff damage Proper systems (tile, ditches, grading) help: ...

  What actually happened (2026 restructuring) DCA completed a lender-driven recapitalization / takeover —not a bailout in the traditional sense. Key facts: Debt reduced by ~$1.1B+ $95M of new capital injected by existing lenders Debt maturities extended to 2031 Ownership effectively shifted to the lender group (first-lien creditors leading the deal) 👉 Translation: This was a classic debt-for-equity swap : Lenders forgave a massive chunk of debt In exchange, they took control of the company 🏦 Who the key players were (before vs after) Before restructuring (equity owners) Harvest Partners (private equity) – majority sponsor since 2015 Mubadala (sovereign wealth fund) – bought ~50% stake in 2022–2023 recap Management + possibly doctor minority equity 👉 This was a highly levered PE-backed DSO After restructuring (new control) First-lien lenders / private credit funds now control DCA Advised by restructuring firms (PJT, Milbank, et...

 At a glance, that data might look “healthy” (inflation only 2%, wages up, etc.). But for dentistry , it actually signals something much more important—and more concerning: 1. This is classic margin compression Supplies/equipment: +6% Wages: +2% Overall inflation: +2% Your largest controllable cost category (supplies) is rising 3x faster than inflation , while labor is only keeping pace. That creates a simple equation: Costs ↑ faster than the broader economy → margins ↓ And dentistry is especially vulnerable because: Fees are often locked by insurance reimbursement Price increases to patients are slow and politically sensitive So unlike many industries, you can’t easily pass that 6% through. 2. It confirms dentistry is in a “cost squeeze” phase The ADA is already calling this a “financial squeeze” environment. What that means structurally: Overhead rising faster than revenue Profitability getting tighter even if production is stable Practi...

 If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s not something to ignore—it’s actually one of the earliest warning signs your body gives you. The most common reason? Plaque buildup. When bacteria sit along the gumline, they irritate the tissue, leading to inflammation—this is called gingivitis . At this stage, the damage is still reversible. But if left untreated, it can progress into periodontal (gum) disease , which can lead to: • Gum recession • Bone loss • Loose teeth • Even tooth loss Other possible causes of bleeding gums include: • Inconsistent flossing (or flossing after a long break) • Brushing too aggressively • Hormonal changes • Certain medications • Underlying health conditions Here’s the key takeaway: Healthy gums don’t bleed. If they are, it’s your body asking for attention—not something to “wait and see.” ✅ Brush gently, twice a day ✅ Floss daily (consistency matters more than perfection) ✅ Stay up to date on professional cleanings Taking care of your gums isn’...

 At first glance, farming and dentistry couldn’t feel more different. One happens in open fields, the other in clinical operatories. But when you look a little closer, both are built on the same foundation: consistency, care, patience, and long-term thinking. Some of the best principles in dentistry aren’t new—they’ve been practiced by farmers for generations. 1. You Reap What You Sow Farmers understand that what they plant today determines what they harvest months later. The same is true in dentistry . Every patient interaction, every team investment, every marketing effort—these are seeds. If you consistently plant trust, education, and high-quality care, the return shows up in patient loyalty, referrals, and long-term growth. Shortcuts might produce quick wins, but sustainable practices are built season by season. 2. Consistency Beats Intensity Farming isn’t about one great day of work—it’s about showing up every single day and doing the fundamentals well. Dentistry ...

 There’s something special about getting out into the community and sharing what we love—and today, that meant bringing along our favorite teammate 🐾 Anna, our dental support dog, has a way of turning ordinary moments into something memorable. Whether she’s offering a calming presence, a friendly greeting, or just a reason to smile, she reminds us why we do what we do. At LADD Dental Group , caring for people goes far beyond the walls of our offices. It’s about building connections, creating comfort, and showing up for our communities in meaningful ways—and Anna helps us do exactly that. If you see us (and Anna!) out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello. She’ll be ready with a wagging tail and a whole lot of smiles! 💙 

 As we look toward the future, one thing is clear—our ability to grow and scale isn’t just dependent on what we do internally. It’s directly tied to the strength of the partnerships we build and the people who stand alongside us. Growth Doesn’t Happen in Isolation Over the past several years, we’ve experienced significant growth—adding practices, welcoming new doctors, and serving thousands of new patients across Indiana . But none of that has happened in a vacuum. Dentistry today is more complex than ever. Clinical excellence is just one piece of the puzzle. Technology, operations, staffing, patient financing, education, and infrastructure all play critical roles. To truly scale a modern dental organization, you need partners who are exceptional in their lanes—and aligned with your mission. Partnering with People Who Do It Right We’ve been intentional about who we choose to work with. Not just vendors, but true partners—organizations that share our belief in long-term thinki...

 The Carnegie Library in Peru, Indiana Peru received a Carnegie grant of $25,000 to construct a public library. The building was located at 102 E. Main Street . Like most Carnegie libraries, it was built in the early 20th century (likely around the 1910s, consistent with Indiana’s Carnegie boom years). 🏛️ Historical Context Indiana actually became a hotbed for Carnegie libraries , building more than almost any other state. These libraries followed a consistent model: Andrew Carnegie would fund construction The local community had to provide the land and commit to ongoing funding and maintenance Many were designed in classical or neoclassical styles , symbolizing education and civic pride A nearby example is the Carnegie Library in Crawfordsville, funded in 1901, which reflects how these projects typically came together—local civic groups pushed for them, and Carnegie supplied the capital. 🧭 What Happened to Peru’s Carnegie Library? Unlike some Indiana t...

 There’s something special about Huntington, Indiana . Maybe it’s the strong sense of community. Maybe it’s the deep-rooted history. Or maybe it’s the way people genuinely care about one another. Whatever it is, Huntington isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a place that feels like home. And at LADD Dental Group , we are incredibly grateful to be part of it. A Community Built on Connection Huntington is the kind of town where relationships matter. It’s where neighbors know each other, local businesses support one another, and families build lasting roots. There’s a sense of pride here that you can feel the moment you arrive. From downtown’s charm to the welcoming spirit found throughout the community, Huntington represents what makes small-town Indiana so special. It’s a place where tradition and progress meet—and where people show up for each other. A Legacy Worth Carrying Forward Healthcare in a community like Huntington is about more than just providing services—it’s about...