INTRODUCTION: The construction industry leads the rates of workplace accidents and their productive force is characterized by employing, at low cost, a significant number of male labor force with low education level. This group has significant dental problems that can lead to dental emergencies. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to verify the association between emergency dental conditions and socio-demographic factors among construction workers from companies located in Salvador and the metropolitan area. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A study was conducted with data from 1057 construction workers examined in 2008. The authors conducted a descriptive analysis of socio-demographic indicators, indicators of oral health, and chi-square association test. Multivariate analysis was performed and all variables that showed statistical significance with a p < 0.15 were included in the saturated model of Poisson regression analysis. RESULT: There was a percentage of 14% in an emergency and positively associated with caries activity (PR = 1.98 95% CI 1.32 to 2.97 p = 0.00) and less education (RP = 1, 48 95% CI 1.01 to 2.18 p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The results show the necessity to develop actions for the treatment of oral problems present and prevention of injuries and health promotion to improve the oral health status of construction workers.
Oral health; epidemiology; occupational health; emergencies