Is there a gradient by job classification in dental status in Japanese men?

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess whether there is a gradient in dental health status by job classification in male Japanese workers. The study subjects were 16,261 male Japanese workers aged 20-69 yr. Jobs were classified into seven job groups. Oral examination was conducted using World Health Organization criteria for decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT). Professionals, managers, and office workers had a better oral status than those in service occupations and drivers. Professionals had significantly more natural and sound teeth than those in other job classes. The DMFT of professionals was significantly lower than in workers of other job classes. Professionals had a significantly higher restorative index than did workers of other job classes. The restorative index of office workers was significantly higher than that in managers, skilled workers, salespersons, those in service occupations, and drivers. Drivers were 1.8 times, and those in service occupations 1.3 times, more likely to have one or more carious teeth compared with professionals. Skilled workers, salespersons, those in service occupations, and drivers were 1.3, 1.3, 1.4, and 2.1 times, respectively, more likely to have a missing tooth compared with professionals. Skilled workers, those in service occupations, and drivers were 1.7, 1.9, and 3.1 times, respectively, more likely not to have 20 or more teeth compared with professionals aged 50-69 yr.