Through a $25,000 grant that was obtained from Colgate Palmolive by Professor Jo-Ann Rover of the Dental Hygiene faculty at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY, dental hygiene students took part in a study to assess the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of Colgate Total toothpaste. Hostos was the first school to participate and conduct this research.
Following a baseline examination for plaque, gingival inflammation and bleeding, 75 qualified healthy adult males and females between the ages of 18 and 70 were selected as subjects for the study. A dental prophylaxis was performed by the dental hygiene students, and each subject was provided with two tubes of toothpaste (Colgate Total) and a soft-bristle toothbrush (Colgate Wave Toothbrush). Their instructions were to brush twice daily using a modified Bass brushing technique for six to eight weeks.
At the end of a six-to-eight-week period, all 75 subjects returned for the collection of clinical and subjective data. As the results showed statistically significant reductions in plaque index, gingival inflammation and bleeding on probing, the overall conclusion was that Colgate Total was effective for these purposes.
An article entitled “Role of Colgate Total toothpaste in helping control plaque and gingivitis” by Professors Jo-Ann Rover, RDH, BS, MPA and Petal Leu-wai-see, RDH, BSDH, MA, both of Hostos Community College, appears in the
American Journal of Dentistry (June 2014).
About Eugenio María de Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.
Hostos offers 29 associate degree programs and five certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to CUNY's four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation's leading urban public university, which serves more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges.