Features of the dental status of specialists-operators of underwater technical means of marine equipment

BACKGROUND: Conduct a comparative analysis of the dental status of specialists-operators of underwater technical equipment and military personnel of the St. Petersburg garrison.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the dental formula of 66 contract servicemen was conducted. The main group consisted of 37 operators of underwater technical equipment aged 32 to 56 years, with average age of 44,7 ± 5,7 years. The comparison group included 29 officers of the St. Petersburg garrison aged 39 to 52 years, with average age of 46,3 ± 3,2 years. Dental status was assessed by the value of the intensity coefficient of carious process, and the level of dental care according to the generally accepted formula of P.A. Leus.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY: It was found that the dental status of underwater equipment operators differs significantly in the number of decayed and extracted teeth, and although their coefficient of intensity of the carious process did not have statistical differences, it was significantly less (10 units) than in the comparison group (11 units). These features were naturally reflected in the reliable differences in the indicator of the level of dental care. In the group of operators of underwater technical means, it amounted to 92,4 ± 14,1%, and in the group of officers of the St. Petersburg garrison — 57,1 ± 18,4%. There were no significant differences in the study parameters when patients were divided into subgroups by age (young, medium).

CONCLUSION: Despite the peculiarities of professional activity, the dental status and the level of dental care for underwater equipment operators are better than for officers of the St. Petersburg garrison. This can be explained not only by the higher level of medical and preventive dental care for these servicemen, but also by the better motivation to maintain dental health in connection with long autonomous trips.