title: Time loss due to dental problems and treatment in the Canadian population: analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to quantify time loss due to dental problems and treatment in the Canadian population, to identify factors associated with this time loss, and to provide information regarding the economic impacts of these issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the 2007/09 Canadian Health Measures Survey were used. Descriptive analysis determined the proportion of those surveyed who reported time loss and the mean hours lost. Linear and logistic regressions were employed to determine what factors predicted hours lost and reporting time loss respectively. Productivity losses were estimated using the lost wages approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 40 million hours per year were lost due to dental problems and treatment, with a mean of 3.5 hours being lost per person. Time loss was more likely among privately insured and higher income earners. The amount of time loss was greater for higher income earners, and those who reported experiencing oral pain. Experiencing oral pain was the strongest predictor of reporting time loss and the amount of time lost.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has shown that, potentially, over 40 million hours are lost annually due to dental problems and treatment in Canada, with subsequent potential productivity losses of over $1 billion dollars. These losses are comparable to those experienced for other illnesses (e.g., musculoskeletal sprains). Further investigation into the underlying reasons for time loss, and which aspects of daily living are impacted by this time loss, are necessary for a fuller understanding of the policy implications associated with the economic impacts of dental problems and treatment in Canadian society.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. alyssa.hayes@mail.utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Azarpazhooh
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dempster
authors.forename: Vahid
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ravaghi
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quiñonez
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D017748:Time Management; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000191:economics; D055815:Young Adult