[Impact of poverty on oral health and visits to the dentist: lessons from the toeslagenaffaire].

The childcare benefits scandal (Dutch: toeslagenaffaire) has left many people in the Netherlands in debt, including individuals struggling with overdue dental care. This study examined the impact of the scandal and debts on dental care and oral health through 12 interviews with affected individuals and care providers. The participants reported significant barriers to accessing dental care for people in debt, resulting in overdue dental care and budgetary constraints in treatment choices. Care providers identified dental care as a major expense in the recovery program, emphasizing the need for improved access. This study shows the importance of improving dental care accessibility. Guidelines and the involvement of oral healthcare specialists in assessing oral healthcare needs are needed to ease the burden on care providers.