Oral health and job opportunities

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. Oral diseases are a problem for individuals, society and for the public health system. In Latin America, the high cost of dental treatments leads health authorities to divert attention from oral illnesses and to consider them as luxury goods, when compared to other life-threatening diseases. However, dental health far exceeds the healthcare dimension and often involves issues affecting the social life of individuals, such as the employment world. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between job opportunities and dental health status. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The authors conducted a prospective study. Variables analysed were missing teeth, socioeconomic status and ranking during job selection process. After stratified two-stage randomized selection of young adults, volunteers were included in the study. Three sets of folders were prepared, each one made up of the CVs of 20 candidates (10 CVs of volunteers with complete dentition photograph, 5 CVs of candidates with missing teeth; and 5 CVs of candidates, whose images had been digitally modified in order to include missing teeth). All CVs had similar personal data, background, and skills. Human resources managers from 300 entities were asked to rank candidates from each folder. A multivariate analysis was performed by associating all variables. RESULTS. Subjects with missing teeth ranked in the lowest positions. Although the capabilities and skills presented in their CVs were equivalent, candidates who did not have a complete dentition, were average rated in 15.5 ± 4.1 position in a 20 candidates ranking list. Strong association was observed between rejection of job application and missing teeth (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS. The significance of teeth health goes well beyond aesthetics or nourishment function; it plays a strategic role as a key element for labour inclusion. A complete dentition means better opportunities for job applicants. Public health policies should aim to cut the vicious circle in which socioeconomic vulnerable communities are imprisoned, and to guarantee their access to oral care and prevention.