Association between oral health-related quality of life and work ability of technical-administrative in education: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Active workers constitute an important part of the population that demand health services. The study of the relationship between oral health and work aims to improve quality of life and professional performance. Objective to associate the work ability and oral health-related quality of life of technical-administrative personnel in education of a higher education institution in Minas Gerais. Method cross-sectional study with 833 employees. Collected identification data, socioeconomic and demographic, self-perception and morbidity in oral health. The impact of oral health on quality of life was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the ability to work by the Work Capability Index (WAI). Data analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results 83% of respondents had great or good ability to work. Positive and significant correlation of self-perception of oral health with self-perception of general health (p <0.001), and negative correlation with CTI (p = 0.026). In the regression analysis, total WAI remained significant for the physical pain domain of OHIP-14. Conclusion ability to work was associated with the physical pain domain. Sociodemographic and self-perception conditions also impacted the quality of life associated with oral health.