Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Chromium Mine Workers in India

BACKGROUND: Several diseases are related to occupation. The workers in chromium mines may be exposed to hazardous environments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the oral health condition and treatment needs of chromium mine workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on workers in the chromium mines located in the Jajpur district, Odisha. The study included a total of 453 mine workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment proforma (1997) was used to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of the workers. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to acquire information on socio-demographic data, along with clinical examinations of type III. Frequency distribution analysis and independent-sample t-test were performed. RESULTS: The majority of mineworkers demonstrated poor oral health status with high caries experience (Decayed Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) = 3.13 ± 1.82). The prevalence of tobacco consumption was very prevalent among them (74.8%). Leukoplakia (13.2%) was the most commonly noted oromucosal lesions. The buccal mucosa (16.8%) and commissures of the lips (3.3%) were the most common affected sites. Most workers demonstrated poor periodontal conditions. More than half of the mine workers (53.6%) showed malocclusion. Restoration, extraction, and pulp care were needed in most of the workers. CONCLUSION: A critical intervention should be provided to promote oral hygiene among Indian chromium mine workers. Dental health education and tobacco cessation programs are of utmost importance to improve the health conditions of these workers.