Dental health of employees of enterprises with hazardous working conditions based on anonymous survey data

Background. To improve the effectiveness of dental care for workers in hazardous working conditions, it is advisable to study their subjective assessments of their dental health, as industrial workers are insufficiently motivated to seek dental care. Study оbjective. To analyze the subjective assessment of dental health by workers exposed to hazardous working conditions, using cement production as an example. Materials and methods. A questionnaire was developed for anonymous survey of 92 workers exposed to hazardous working conditions (HWC) at the Cheri-Yurta Cement Plant (Chechen Republic). The questionnaire contained 10 questions covering dental and periodontal health, oral hygiene, access to dental care, and protection from occupational hazards. Results. Most respondents underestimate and are unaware of their oral health, despite numerous complaints and problems with their dental health. This explains the sporadic visits to the dentist during acute dental problems. This is due to inadequate dental hygiene practices, problems in dental education, and the potential negative impact of occupational hazards. A high need for dental treatment is evident among workers exposed to HWC at the plant. Conclusions. Dentists are not included in the medical team for periodic medical examinations of workers with hazardous work practices at the cement plant. However, only a fifth of respondents regularly use personal protective equipment, and half of those surveyed had visited a dentist more than two years ago. According to the survey, workers with hazardous work practices at the cement plant frequently complain of toothache, tooth sensitivity, missing teeth, and inadequate dentures. Half of those surveyed brush their teeth once a day. The majority of workers rate their dental health as good, as well as the availability of dental care in the area.

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