Humboldt Dentist Shortage?

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I was surprised to read this letter to the editor in the Sacramento Bee from a dentist in Ukiah. He claims there's a shortage of dentists in California. I'm sure that's true in some places but I was wondering if the opposite wasn't true in Eureka?

Driving around town I see so many dental offices I've often wondered how they all stay busy. I know there's a shortage of primary physicians up here, but dentists? Anybody had a problem finding a dentist? I wouldn't know because I haven't even tried to see a dentist in decades.

Addendum: Maybe I'm not too far off about how many dentists are up here? Just noticed another comment to the letter I've referred to which claims there's plenty of dentists, just not ones that accept government insurance (as is an ever growing problem with physicians).

I'll copy the entire comment here since SacBee is a pay site and many may not be able to read it:

BALONEY.
If you're a real dentist, Dr Lewis, then you know that many dental practices in CA are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. There is not a shortage of dentists. There IS a shortage of dentists willing to accept DentiCal reimbursement that doesn't even meet their overhead. And you also should know that the various federally funded clinics operate is via an infusion of additional federal funds, either grants to the clinics, loan repayment lures to the dentists, or both.
If the feds simply ensured everyday practicing dentists could be adequately reimbursed, there would be no shortage. If the feds allowed cash basis offices to write off the cost of pro bono care, there would be no shortage. Please be honest.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/30/5021569/more-help-needed-to-treat-dental.html#storylink=cpy