Ladd Dental Group

Community has been at the heart of LADD Dental Group since our family first began serving patients in 1978. It is more than the towns where our offices are located—it is the people, families, schools, businesses, and organizations that make each community unique. That's why "Community" is one of our core values. We don't believe dentistry is simply about fixing teeth. We believe it's about helping our neighbors live healthier, happier, and more confident lives.  More Than a Dental Practice To us, dentistry is a profession built on trust. Patients invite us into some of life's most personal moments, and that trust is something we never take for granted. Our responsibility doesn't end when a patient leaves the office. We believe great dental care should strengthen the communities around us by improving health, boosting confidence, creating jobs, supporting local organizations, and making every family feel like they have a dental home they can count on. In...

 At LADD Dental Group , we've always believed that great dentistry starts with trust. Patients deserve to understand not only what we recommend, but why we recommend it. That's one of the reasons we're proud to incorporate Overjet AI into our diagnostic process. This innovative technology helps make dental conditions easier to see, easier to understand, and ultimately easier to treat. Helping Patients See What We See One of the biggest challenges in dentistry is that many oral health conditions simply aren't visible to the naked eye. Cavities, bone loss, defective restorations, and early gum disease often require dental X-rays to detect. While dentists are trained to interpret these images, they can be difficult for patients to understand. Overjet AI analyzes dental radiographs and highlights areas that may require closer evaluation. During your appointment, your dentist can review these images with you, showing exactly what they're seeing and explaining why a...

 T here have not been any sweeping changes to covered dental benefits in 2026 for Indiana Medicaid or the Managed Care Organizations (Anthem, Managed Health Services/Centene, MDwise, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan). Instead, most of the changes have been administrative, coding, eligibility, and provider-related rather than major benefit expansions or reductions. Here are the most notable updates affecting Indiana dental practices and patients in 2026: 1. Dental benefits have remained largely stable Indiana continues to provide: Preventive exams and cleanings Diagnostic X-rays Fillings Extractions Periodontal treatment when medically necessary Limited prosthodontic services based on eligibility and prior authorization Comprehensive EPSDT dental benefits for children under 21 There has not been a statewide expansion or reduction of routine dental benefits comparable to changes seen in some other states. 2. Continued emphasis on managed care Nearly all In...

Since 1978, we have always believed that the best dentistry starts with trust. Whether you're visiting us for a routine cleaning or discussing a more complex treatment plan, we want you to feel informed, confident, and comfortable every step of the way. That's why we're proud to use Overjet , one of the nation's leading dental artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, to help us provide an even higher level of care for the families we serve across North Central Indiana. What Is Overjet ? Overjet is an FDA-cleared dental AI technology that works alongside our dentists by analyzing dental X-rays. It highlights areas that may indicate cavities, bone loss associated with gum disease, existing restorations, and other important findings that could require attention. While AI is incredibly powerful, it's important to understand that it never replaces the experience, clinical judgment, or compassion of your dentist . Instead, it serves as another tool that helps our clinic...

One of the biggest misconceptions in dentistry is that becoming an owner is simply "being an associate plus earning more money." In reality, ownership is an entirely different job. If a dentist's natural strengths don't align with ownership, the added responsibilities can accelerate burnout far beyond what they would experience as an associate. Here are several reasons why. 1. They Never Stop Wearing the "Owner Hat" A dental associate can typically leave work at the office. An owner often cannot. Instead of thinking about tomorrow's patients, they're thinking about: Payroll Staff turnover Marketing Equipment failures Insurance reimbursements Cash flow OSHA and HIPAA compliance Lease negotiations Recruiting the next hygienist **If someone naturally recharges by disconnecting from work, ownership can become emotionally exhausting. 2. They Enjoy Clinical Dentistry —Not Business Many dentists entered the profession because ...

Entrepreneurship is often celebrated as the ultimate career path. Social media is filled with stories of founders building successful companies, creating financial freedom, and "being their own boss." While those stories are inspiring, they can also create the impression that everyone should aspire to own a business. The truth is much different. Entrepreneurship isn't simply a career choice—it's often a natural wiring. It's a way of thinking, solving problems, and risk taking. And that's perfectly okay. Entrepreneurs See the World Differently Most entrepreneurs don't wake up one morning and decide they want to own a business because it sounds exciting. Instead, they have an internal drive and risk tolerance that's difficult to ignore. They naturally ask questions like: "Why is this done this way?" "How could this be better?" "What opportunity is everyone else missing?" "How can I build something that creates value for...

 Choosing where to build your dental career is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Every dental practice can promise competitive compensation. At LADD Dental Group , we believe the difference goes much deeper. For nearly five decades, LADD Dental Group has been built around one simple philosophy: family serving families. That philosophy doesn't just apply to the patients we care for—it applies to every doctor, hygienist, assistant, and team member who walks through our doors. A Place Where Providers Can Focus on Patients Dentistry is about relationships. We believe the best patient experiences happen when providers have the time, support, and resources they need to deliver exceptional care. Our leadership team works behind the scenes to handle the complexities of running a modern dental practice so our providers can focus on what they do best—changing lives through healthy smiles. A Team That Invests in Your Success Whether you're a new graduate or an experi...

Clear aligner therapy has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options because it allows patients to straighten their teeth with greater comfort, convenience, and confidence than traditional braces. While every patient's needs are unique, clear aligners offer a wide range of functional, cosmetic, and long-term oral health benefits. Here are some of the biggest advantages for dental patients: 1. Improved Smile Confidence One of the most obvious benefits is achieving a straighter, more attractive smile. Many patients feel more confident both personally and professionally after completing treatment. Because the aligners are nearly invisible, patients can improve their smile without drawing attention to the fact they're undergoing orthodontic treatment. 2. Better Oral Health Crowded or crooked teeth create areas that are difficult to brush and floss effectively. Straightening teeth helps patients: Reduce plaque buildup Lower their risk of cavities Impr...

 At LADD Dental Group , we believe every family deserves access to quality dental care. As a proud provider serving North Central Indiana communities, we know that navigating insurance changes can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we're committed to helping our patients understand the latest updates to Indiana Medicaid and Managed Care dental programs—and what they mean for your family's oral health. A New Managed Care Landscape One of the biggest recent changes for Indiana Medicaid members is the transition of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Beginning in 2026, MDwise is no longer participating as a statewide Indiana Medicaid managed care plan. Many members were asked to choose a new health plan during open enrollment, and those who did not make a selection were automatically assigned to another participating plan. For many patients, this means: Your Medicaid plan may have changed. You may have received a new insurance card. It's important to verify that your...

 A smile is one of the first things people notice. It can communicate kindness, confidence, joy, and warmth without saying a single word. At LADD Dental Group , we believe a healthy smile is about much more than teeth—it's about helping people feel like the best version of themselves. For nearly five decades, our mission has been simple: family serving families . Every day, we have the privilege of helping patients regain confidence in their smiles, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone smile freely again. The Benefits of Smiling Smiling has an incredible impact on both our physical and emotional well-being. Research has shown that smiling can: Boost your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins. Help reduce stress and anxiety. Make you appear more approachable and confident. Strengthen personal and professional relationships. Create positive first impressions. Even encourage those around you to smile, creating a ripple effect of positivity. For many people, however...

 House Bill 1254 (HB 1254), which was signed into law and took effect on July 1, 2026 , makes several important updates to Indiana dental licensing laws. The most significant change is that it creates a pathway for qualified foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without first completing a U.S. dental hygiene program, provided they meet rigorous licensing requirements established by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry . The law also expands options for approved nitrous oxide certification programs for dental hygienists and dental assistants. Why this is good news for Indiana dental patients and families 1. Improves access to preventive dental care Indiana, like many states, has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists. When practices cannot fully staff hygiene schedules, patients often wait longer for routine cleanings, periodontal therapy, and preventive care. By allowing qualified foreign-trained dentists to serve as hygienists, more a...

Indiana recently passed House Bill 1254 , which creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in Indiana without having to complete a U.S. dental hygiene degree. The law takes effect July 1, 2026 and is designed to help address the ongoing shortage of dental hygienists across the state. Under the new law , internationally trained dentists are not automatically licensed . They must still: Have their dental education evaluated and approved. Demonstrate English proficiency when required. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Pass a regional clinical licensing examination. Meet all Indiana licensing and background check requirements established by the State Board of Dentistry. This creates a much more practical career pathway for highly educated dental professionals who have already completed dental school abroad but previously had few options other than repeating years of education in the United States. ...

 At LADD Dental Group , our mission has always been simple: Family Serving Families. That's why we're excited about a new Indiana law that will help improve access to dental care for communities across the state of Indiana. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana has created a new pathway for internationally trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists. Rather than requiring these highly educated professionals to complete an entirely new dental hygiene degree , Indiana now recognizes their previous dental education while still requiring them to meet rigorous licensing standards, including credential evaluation, national board examinations, clinical testing, and all state licensing requirements. Why does this matter? Like many states across the country, Indiana has experienced a shortage of dental hygienists over the past several years. Preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health, yet staffing shortages have sometimes made it difficult for patients to sched...

 For nearly five decades, LADD Dental Group has had the privilege of serving families throughout North Central Indiana. While dentistry has changed tremendously over the years, one thing has remained constant: people want someone they can trust with their family's health. At LADD Dental Group, we believe that every family deserves more than a dental provider —they deserve a trusted friend. A healthy smile starts with trust. Whether it's a child's very first dental appointment, a teenager preparing for clear aligner ortho treatment, a parent balancing a busy schedule, or a grandparent restoring their smile, every stage of life deserves compassionate, personalized care. Our patients aren't just appointments on a schedule. They're our neighbors, friends, coworkers, teachers, coaches, and fellow community members. We take the time to get to know each person because meaningful relationships lead to better care and more confident patients. Since 1978, LADD Dental Group ...