Central Texas dentists have been feeling the effects of a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists, facing difficulties filling vacant positions to serve a growing number of patients

Zooming out: A 2019 study by the Texas Department of State Health Services projected that the demand for dental hygienists would outpace supply from 2018 to 2030. In Central Texas, the shortage of dental hygienists was projected to increase by 116.4% from 2018 to 2030, according to the report.

What they're saying: “As the population increases, new patients are coming into practices in Austin,” said Dr. Shailee Gupta, local dentist and member of Capital Area Dental Society. “Without the proper number of hygienists to go with these practices or community centers, there's no way to be able to meet that demand.”

The approach: To help counteract this shortage, Austin Community College opened an expanded dental hygiene clinic at its Eastview Campus this fall, nearly doubling the program’s annual cohort of students from 18 to 34. 

Refreshed guidelines for land development of properties owned by Round Rock ISD within the bounds of the city of Austin could soon require the school district to use dark sky compliant lighting, among other new requirements.

What you need to know: The 25-year interlocal agreement between the city and school district was approved at a recent meeting of the city of Austin's Environmental Commission on Jan. 7, with a few stipulations.

What's next? 
The proposed agreement will also be reviewed by the city of Austin's Planning Commission at a future meeting. 

Check out the top trending stories in the Austin metro Jan. 5-8. 
1. City of Bee Cave reaches settlement agreement with West Austin Business Park developers
2. Bastrop Starbucks takes coffee break through late January
3. Georgetown’s largest development projects moving forward in 2026
4. The new Old Settlers Park: Round Rock makes progress on $259M expansion
5. Construction on a new Chipotle Mexican Grill expected to begin in Leander this year
6. Mercado Libertad now open in Liberty Hill

Austinites can find a curated collection of independent magazines, art books, journals, design goods and stationery downtown at Tomo Mags.

The details: Tomo Mags was founded by Vico Puentes and began inside a restored school bus that traveled to different galleries, universities and coffee shops around Austin. In December, the concept opened its brick-and-mortar.

The Tomo Mags bus still makes appearances around the city. Those interested can find its schedule on the shop’s Instagram page.

Quote of note: “Tomo Mags is for creators, collectors, students, students of life and anyone who loves discovering something new,” the shop's website reads.

📍 411 Brazos St., Ste. 101, Austin