The Relationship between shift work and oral health in nurses

Shift work can lead to physiological and psycho-social problems for shift workers; it also may be effective on oral health. The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between shift work and oral health in nurses.
This cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 nurses who were working in hospital affiliated to Tehran University of medical sciences in 2014- 2015. Oral health status and DMFT index (Decayed, Missing and Filling Teeth) was performed by a dentist with clinical examination. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software through, Chi-square, Independent-Samples T-Test and multiple logistic regressions tests.
The results showed that the mean of DMFT index in shift work nurses and non-shift work nurses was 8.10±4.10, 9.41±2.8 respectively, and the mean of decayed, missing and filled teeth and periodontal DMFT index in both groups, was not significantly different. The multiple logistic regression test revealed that the age has a significant effect on the DMFT value (p This study has demonstrated that shift work is not as an independent factor affecting on oral health. However, to the mean DMFT index and nurses job responsibilities, there is a need to paying more attention the occupational group.