Exploring Oral Health Challenges and Barriers to Dental Care Among Children in Cabo Verde: A Qualitative Study

This study highlights systemic barriers to oral health among Cabo Verdean children and reveals unique local dynamics. Tourism-while economically beneficial-unintentionally contributes to poor oral health through sweets distribution and shifting dietary habits, a factor rarely addressed in the literature. Limited access to affordable care and underutilized community associations further exacerbate challenges. These findings call for integrated strategies that strengthen community-based programs and embed oral health considerations into tourism and education policies.