Floridians are struggling to access basic dental care, and trendlines suggest the challenge will only intensify if policymakers don’t act, according to data from the Well Florida Health Planning Council and Floridians for Dental Access .

The organizations point to persistent shortages of dentists — particularly in rural counties — as a primary driver of rising costs and declining access. Many residents forgo routine care, allowing otherwise preventable conditions to progress until emergency treatment becomes the only option.

In 2024, more than 146,000 Floridians sought help at emergency departments for dental pain and infection, a 25% increase since 2021. More than 4,000 required hospitalization. Hospital charges tied to dental issues rose 77% over the same period, pushing the

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