The cost of dental care is skyrocketing in the U.S., while the availability of care remains stagnant. A 2018 report shows that the ratio of people to dentists in Texas is 1,790:1, compared to a national ratio of 1,480:1. Thirty-five Texas counties do not have a single dentist, and there are 322 designated dental health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) across the state. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) projects that Texas’ dentist shortage will increase by 38% between 2012 and 2025.
Local Government
Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023
City and county spending has outpaced growth in population and inflation, leading to an increase in the tax burden on Texan taxpayers. Key points: Local government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. From 2014 to 2023, local government spending rose by 61.2%, whereas population and inflation increased by only 42.7%. Elevated...
March 6, 2026