Ladd Dental Group

 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 ...

 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. Dentistry Built on Relationships 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 patien...

 At LADD Dental Group of Rushville , we believe a positive dental experience begins long before a patient sits in the dental chair. It starts the moment you walk through our front doors. That's why we're so excited to welcome families to our Kids Corner —a special space designed just for our youngest patients. Whether your child is visiting for their very first dental appointment or is already a seasoned smile expert, we want every visit to feel comfortable, fun, and stress-free. Creating a Calm, Family-Friendly Environment We know that visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming for some children. New sights, unfamiliar sounds, and the anticipation of treatment can create anxiety. Our goal is to help replace those feelings with curiosity, comfort, and confidence. Our Kids Corner gives children a chance to: Play and explore while waiting for their appointment. Become comfortable with their surroundings before meeting the dental team. Stay engaged in a positive environment that...

 At LADD Dental Group , we are always looking for ways to make dental care more comfortable, more precise, and more convenient for our patients. One of the most exciting advancements in modern dentistry is laser dentistry —a technology that allows many dental procedures to be performed with greater comfort and improved precision. Whether you're visiting us for preventive care or restorative treatment, laser dentistry can help create a better overall experience. What Is Laser Dentistry? Laser dentistry uses highly focused beams of light energy to treat both soft tissue and certain hard tissue conditions in the mouth. Unlike traditional dental instruments, lasers allow dentists to perform many procedures with exceptional precision while minimizing discomfort and promoting faster healing. This advanced technology has become an excellent option for patients who may feel anxious about dental treatment or simply want the most comfortable care available. Benefits of Laser Dentistry More...