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
Growing Pains: The Cost and Contribution of Impact Fees in Texas
Texas’s rapidly growing population requires new infrastructure and improvements, which oftentimes come at great expense. To fund these projects, local officials often impose impact fees on new development—but their use comes at a cost. Key points: Texas is the fastest-growing state in the nation. As such, it has robust infrastructure requirements. To help finance capital...
August 12, 2026