Few studies have analyzed dental diseases in terms of their social impact. This study explored the feasibility of a social outcome measure, work absence. 2600 employed people in the Hartford (CT) area were interviewed by 'phone using Random Digit Dialing methodology. While dental disability did not affect the majority (75%) of those workers interviewed, 25% reported an episode of work loss in the past 12 months related to dental problems and dental treatment visits. Workers lost an average of 1.7 hours. The prevalence and magnitude of work loss were sensitive to several sociodemographic, access, and health-related factors.