How Your Dental Health Impacts Your Chance of Getting Hired

October 19, 2020 | Dental Blog

For many millennial job seekers, the interview process can be extremely nerve-wracking. From taking extra steps to ensure an early arrival to practicing the perfect answers to interview questions, there are endless ways a candidate can prepare.

Unfortunately, dental health is one of the last things that are considered during the preparation process. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 1 in 4 young adults from ages 18 to 34 are reluctant to smile due to decaying teeth and gum problems. 

As seen in the map below, 77.8 percent of adults 18 and over in Connecticut visited the dentist within a year, while Kentucky had the lowest amount with 56.6 percent of adults visiting the dentist.

State Feels Their Oral Health Affects
The Job Hunt
Visited the Dentist
(2016)
Alabama 18% 62.3%
Alaska 36% 65.4%
Arizona 16% 61.3%
Arkansas 27% 57.6%
California 25% 67.1%
Colorado 14% 67%
Connecticut 12% 77.8%
Delaware 22% 66.2%
District of Columbia 18% 76%
Florida 23% 63%
Georgia 13% 63.1%
Hawaii 18% 72.7%
Idaho 19% 63.3%
Illinois 12% 65.5%
Indiana 18% 61.9%
Iowa 10% 71.3%
Kansas 16% 66.6%
Kentucky 19% 61.8%
Louisiana 21% 56.6%
Maine 20% 63.6%
Maryland 17% 68.6%
Massachusetts 9% 73.7%
Michigan 11% 70.1%
Minnesota 14% 73.9%
Mississippi 25% 57%
Missouri 16% 61.3%
Montana 21% 65.5%
Nebraska 9% 68.7%
Nevada 22% 60.4%
New Hampshire 16% 71.9%
New Jersey 19% 73.4%
New Mexico 21% 62.3%
New York 16% 68.5%
North Carolina 18% 63.6%
North Dakota 16% 66.1%
Ohio 15% 67.9%
Oklahoma 21% 58.2%
Oregon 22% 67.9%
Pennsylvania 20% 66.4%
Rhode Island 19% 75.8%
South Carolina 16% 60%
South Dakota 19% 70.3%
Tennessee 16% 59.1%
Texas 21% 59.4%
Utah 18% 72.9%
Vermont 17% 71.9%
Virginia 18% 70.5%
Washington 13% 68.2%
West Virginia 23% 57.6%
Wisconsin 12% 72.6%
Wyoming 23% 66.7%

 

Due to factors like cost and convenience, millennials are less likely to have dental insurance or the funds for the regular checkups needed to protect their smiles. This can ultimately end up creating an obstacle in the path of securing their dream job. A study by Kelton Global found that candidates with straight teeth are 45% more likely to be hired than applicants with crooked teeth. If you’re unable to visit the dentist for your bi-annual or annual check-up, be sure to take the best care of your teeth and gums in the meantime. Here are a few tips to make sure your smile is at its best for the big interview:

  • Use the basics: Take the basic steps to ensure a bright smile and fresh breath by brushing your teeth to loosen any particles or pieces of food that may be stuck, followed by flossing and a swig of mouthwash. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Avoid chewing gum and mints: Using breath fresheners during the interview can be distracting and come across as unprofessional. Be sure to get rid of any before you walk into the interview.
  • Brighten up!: If you regularly drink dark-colored liquids, such as coffee and wine, it may be a good idea to consider whitening your teeth. A brighter, more uniform shade can also help distract from uneven or crooked teeth.

If you’re interested in improving your dental health, contact the team of Phoenix family dentists at Dental on Central to get started.