Condição bucal de trabalhadores de fábricas de baterias e uso de serviços odontológicos

Abstract

Context: Occupational Dentistry is responsible for studying, interpreting and solving the various oral problems of workers, contributing to their quality of life and greater productivity. Objectives: To evaluate the oral conditions of workers in two batery factories and the use of dental services in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The sample consisted of 134 individuals who responded to a questionnaire on the use of services. The tests were conducted using the DMFT index for dental caries, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Periodontal Atachment Loss (PAL) for periodontal disease, and the Dental Wear Index (DWI) (Kappa>0.94). A descriptive analysis was done by means of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Regarding the use of services, 55.22% reported dental visits in less than 1 year, 76.87% sought private care, and 33.58% as part ofa routine consultation. Only 12.60% of the workers were free of caries, with mean DMFT of 8.49. There was calculus in 56.70%, shallow pockets in 17.90% and deep pockets in 1.50% of the workers. The periodontal atachment loss was observed in 26.52%. All workers had tooth wear, which was more prevalent in dentin. Conclusion: The dental services ofered by the surveyed companies provided a satisfactory oral health to the workers.