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This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-procedural rinsing using essential oils-mouthwash (Listerine®) in reducing bioaerosol contamination in a dental clinic. Thirty (30) subjects who consisted of those receiving treatment for periodontitis problems were randomly assigned to rinse with either 20 mL of Listerine® or 20 mL of placebo as control rinse. Every subject was instructed to gargle using the rinse for 1 min. Microbial samples of environmental air and saliva were collected before and after the rinse. All samples were further analyzed for total plate counts to measure the microbial level. Rinsing using Listerine® showed significant reduction in the level of microbial load in saliva compared to the control mouthrinses. Analysis done at three defined distance intervals from the operating site showed the level of bioaerosol contamination was highest at distance nearest to the treatment point of 1 ft. Based on counts of cfu, there was higher presence of microbial contaminant in bioaerosols of the control-rinsed group compared to the test-rinsed group using Listerine®. Therefore, it can be concluded that rinsing using Listerine® was effective towards reducing the microorganisms in saliva and oral cavity in general.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the 5A’s smoking cessation intervention (5A’s) to that of brief advice (BA) conducted by dentists. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of the interventions. Six Dental Public Health specialists were recruited, randomized and trained to participate in this trial. Two hundred and fifty patients were required on both arms. The main outcome measures were biochemically validated self-reported abstinence and behaviour change at 6-months follow-up. The odd of quitters in 5A’s intervention was 3.81 (95% CI: 1.87-7.76; p= 0.00) times higher compared to BA. After controlling other factors, the odds ratio for the 5A’s was 1.90 (95% CI: 0.652-5.547; p=0.24) higher compared to BA. The 5A’s was found to be more effective in initiating positive behaviour change compared to BA. However, after controlling other factors, there was no difference in the effectiveness although the odds ratio was slightly higher in 5A’s.