Dentists shortage

A survey of more than 2,000 Polk residents found that 42% needed health care but were unable to receive it last year.

They offer basic care traditionally provided by dentists, but opposition from interest groups and the profession’s relative newness mean more than two-thirds of states don’t yet have them.

Vulnerable and marginalized communities are getting left behind in dental deserts, where patient volume exceeds provider capacity or too few dentists are willing to serve the uninsured or those on Medicaid.

Florida dentists could qualify for up to $250,000 in student-loan repayments under a bill filed Tuesday by Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater. The bill (SB 716)…