Ladd Dental Group

 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...

 In dentistry , clinical excellence is only part of the equation. Behind every great patient experience is a well-functioning, highly maintained facility. From sterilization systems and compressors to HVAC, chairs, and digital imaging equipment—your office infrastructure is constantly working. And when it doesn’t, everything else slows down. Facility maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it is mission-critical. And this is one of the most overlooked areas where Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) create significant value for their dentists . The Hidden Complexity of a Dental Office A modern dental practice is more like a small hospital than a traditional office. You’re managing: High-end clinical equipment with strict maintenance schedules Mechanical systems like vacuum pumps and air compressors Plumbing systems tied to infection control protocols IT networks supporting imaging, practice management software, and AI tools HVAC systems critical for both comfort and regulato...

 At LADD Dental Group , we’re incredibly grateful for team members like Jennifer—whose passion for dental hygiene shines through in everything she does. For Jennifer, being a dental hygienist is about so much more than cleanings. It’s about building real relationships with patients, earning their trust, and helping them feel confident in their smiles. She loves getting to know each person who sits in her chair and being a consistent, friendly face they can count on. Jennifer is especially passionate about education and prevention —helping patients understand their oral health and empowering them to take control of it. Whether it’s coaching better home care habits or catching issues early, she knows the impact goes far beyond the appointment. But what she loves most? Seeing the difference she makes. From easing dental anxiety to celebrating healthier smiles, Jennifer takes pride in knowing her work truly changes lives. We are so lucky to have her on our dental team . Thank you, Jen...

B usiness taxes in Indiana have not increased over the past 5 years—on paper, they’ve actually decreased or stayed very stable. But the effective tax burden on dental practices has still gone up due to a combination of local taxes, wage inflation, and structural changes in how practices are taxed. 1) What’s actually happened to Indiana business tax rates (last ~5 years) Corporate income tax 2020: ~5.25% 2021–present: 4.9% 👉 That’s roughly a 0.35% decrease (~7% relative reduction) over 5 years. Pass-through business taxation (most dental practices) Most dental practices (LLCs, S-corps) don’t pay corporate tax. They flow through to: State income tax: ~3.23% (2020) → ~3.05% (2024) → trending to 3.0% Local (county) income tax: ~1–3% depending on county 👉 Slight decline at the state level , but: Local taxes have crept up in many counties Combined effective rate often still ~4–6%+ Sales tax (relevant to dental ops) Flat 7% (unchanged) Big pi...

B usiness taxes in Indiana have not increased over the past 5 years—on paper, they’ve actually decreased or stayed very stable. But the effective tax burden on dental practices has still gone up due to a combination of local taxes , wage inflation , and structural changes in how practices are taxed. Let’s break it down clearly. 1) What’s actually happened to Indiana business tax rates (last ~5 years) Corporate income tax 2020: ~5.25% 2021–present: 4.9% 👉 That’s roughly a 0.35% decrease (~7% relative reduction) over 5 years. Pass-through business taxation (most dental practices ) Most dental practices (LLCs, S-corps) don’t pay corporate tax. They flow through to: State income tax: ~3.23% (2020) → ~3.05% (2024) → trending to 3.0% Local (county) income tax: ~1–3% depending on county 👉 Slight decline at the state level , but: Local taxes have crept up in many counties Combined effective rate often still ~4–6%+ Sales tax (relevant to dental ops) ...

 The Gilded Age titans weren’t just wealthy, they were system builders, brand creators, and operational obsessives. There’s a lot LADD Dental Group can apply in a modern, ethical, patient-first way. 1. Carnegie: Standardization + Scale What he did: Carnegie didn’t just build steel mills—he built systems that produced consistent, high-quality output at scale. Modern takeaway for LADD : Create clinical and operational playbooks across all locations Standardize: Patient experience Treatment planning protocols Case acceptance processes Use tools like Overjet AI to reduce variability in diagnosis 👉 The goal: same elite experience in Huntington , Rushville, McCordsville , etc. 2. Rockefeller: Relentless Efficiency + Cost Control What he did: Rockefeller obsessed over efficiency—cutting waste, negotiating better rates, and controlling the full value chain. Modern takeaway for LADD : Centralize: Procurement (supplies, labs, aligners) Marketing spend ...

 Tucked into the heart of downtown Rushville, Indiana, the Princess Theatre stands as more than just a place to watch movies—it is a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and the cultural heartbeat of small-town Indiana. A Stage for Over a Century The story of the Princess Theatre dates back to the early 1900s, when it first opened its doors in 1907 as the Vaudet Theatre. Originally designed for live performances, the venue hosted plays and vaudeville acts, bringing entertainment and culture to Rush County long before modern cinemas existed. By 1915, the theater had been renamed the Princess Theatre and became a cornerstone of the community. Like many historic theaters across the Midwest, it evolved with the times—transitioning into a movie house in 1936 as motion pictures became America’s dominant form of entertainment. For decades, the Princess Theatre served as Rushville’s primary—and often only—movie theater, creating shared experiences for generations of families. A D...

 When you think of Rushville, Indiana, you might picture a tight-knit community, rich farmland, and a strong sense of Hoosier pride. But what many may not realize is that this small town is also the birthplace of one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century—Wendell Willkie. From Rushville to the National Stage Born in 1892 in Rushville, Wendell Willkie grew up in a family deeply rooted in law, public service, and civic engagement. His early years in this small Indiana town helped shape his character—instilling in him the values of hard work, independent thinking, and a deep respect for democracy. Willkie went on to attend Indiana University, eventually becoming a successful lawyer and corporate executive. But it was his unexpected rise in politics that would make history. The 1940 Presidential Election In 1940, Wendell Willkie became the Republican nominee for President of the United States—despite never having held public office. His nomination alone was ...

 At LADD Dental Group , we say it often—and we truly mean it—our hygienists are the heartbeat of everything we do. During National Dental Hygienist Week, we had the opportunity to pause, reflect, and most importantly, celebrate the incredible individuals who care for our patients day in and day out. It was a week filled with gratitude, laughter, and a whole lot of well-deserved recognition. Our hygienists are so much more than clinicians. They are educators, encouragers, problem-solvers, and trusted partners in our patients’ health journeys. They’re often the first smiling face a patient sees and the steady voice that brings comfort and confidence to every visit. Whether it’s helping someone overcome dental anxiety, catching early signs of concern, or simply making someone feel heard—our hygiene team does it all, and they do it exceptionally well. This past week gave us a chance to celebrate them in a way that reflects just how much they mean to our organization. From team lun...

National Dental Hygienist Week gives us a special opportunity to pause and recognize a group of professionals who are absolutely essential to the care we provide—our remarkable dental hygienists . At LADD Dental Group , we simply couldn’t do what we do without them. When most people think of a dental hygienist , they think of cleanings—but their impact goes so much deeper. Our hygienists are educators, advocates, early-detection experts, and trusted partners in our patients’ overall health. They are often the first to notice changes in oral health, helping catch concerns early and guiding patients toward the right treatment at the right time. For many patients, their relationship with dentistry is shaped by their hygienist. Whether it’s easing anxiety, building trust, or simply creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, our hygienists play a huge role in making every visit a positive one. At LADD Dental Group , we are incredibly proud of the level of clinical excellence ou...

  PIK debt (Payment-In-Kind debt) is a type of financing where the borrower doesn’t pay interest in cash. Instead, the interest is added to the loan balance , so the debt compounds over time . Simple example: Borrow $10M at 10% PIK interest Year 1 → you owe $11M Year 2 → you owe $12.1M No cash leaves the business… but the balance keeps growing Why DSOs use PIK debt DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) often use PIK debt to: Preserve cash flow during aggressive expansion Fund acquisitions without immediate cash strain Bridge gaps when traditional financing gets tight On paper, it can make growth look easier and faster. Why it’s a concern (especially right now) 1. It hides real cash performance PIK lets organizations avoid paying interest today, which can: Make EBITDA look stronger than reality Mask cash flow pressure from operations For DSOs that are already tight on margins (staffing, reimbursements, build-outs), this is a big red flag. 2. Com...

  Dental office build-outs are tougher than ever to pencil right now—and it’s not just one factor, it’s the perfect storm. Construction costs remain elevated. What used to feel predictable—plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, equipment install—now comes with wide variability and frequent surprises. Add in longer lead times, and projects stretch further than planned, tying up capital. Interest rates have changed the game. Debt that once felt cheap now carries real weight, which means every dollar invested in a build-out has to work harder to generate a return. Labor is another challenge. Skilled contractors are in high demand, which not only drives up cost but can also impact timelines and quality if you’re not working with the right partners. And then there’s reimbursement pressure. While costs to build and operate dental offices continue to rise, insurance reimbursements haven’t kept pace—making it harder to justify large upfront investments purely on traditional models. All of this...

 Spring is in the air—and there’s no better time to refresh your smile! 🌼 At LADD Dental Group , we’re helping you spring into savings with a limited-time offer: 🌟 $500 OFF Clear Aligner Therapy 🌟 Now through May 31st If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, this is the perfect opportunity to get started. Clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and designed to fit your lifestyle—so you can achieve a confident smile without the hassle of traditional braces. Why choose clear aligners? ✔ Virtually invisible ✔ Removable for eating & brushing ✔ Customized for your smile ✔ Fewer dental office visits Our experienced doctors use advanced technology to create precise, predictable results—and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 📅 Schedule your consultation today and take advantage of this limited-time savings before it’s gone! 👉 Call us or book online to reserve your spot. Let’s make this the season you love your smile. 🌷 — The LADD Dental Group ...