# Exposure to Oxycide(tm) Disinfect in Dental Practices: Occupational Symptoms and Risk Factors
## 2 Materials and Methods  
This observational cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025, involving a sample of 200 dental assistants actively working in dental clinics, with a minimum of three months' employment at the current dental clinic prior to participation, with exclusive use of Oxycide(tm) as disinfectant. Each participant personally prepared and applied the disinfectant to surfaces in the dental office between patients, such as dental chairs, countertops, instrument trays, work surfaces, and occasionally floors. Personal with pre-existing chronic respiratory or dermatological conditions that could confound the assessment of symptoms were excluded. Data were collected through an anonymous, structured questionnaire distributed online via Google Forms. The questionnaire included sections on demographic characteristics, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectant usage practices, self-reported symptoms, and contextual environmental factors, primarily using closed-ended questions. All study participants confirmed that they were familiar with the Oxycide(tm) disinfectant protocol.  
All participants in this study were adequately informed regarding the study's objective, and consent was obtained prior to their participation.  
The sample size of 200 participants was not determined through an a priori power analysis, as the study employed a non-probabilistic convenience sampling strategy via voluntary online responses from dental assistants. A post hoc power analysis was conducted on key chi-square tests to evaluate the statistical validity retrospectively. For example, one significant association (\(\chi^{2}(2)=8.712\), \(p=0.013\)) yielded a Cramer's V of 0.21, indicating a medium effect size. With N = 200 and \(\alpha=0.05\), the estimated power was approximately 0.80. These results suggest that the study was adequately powered to detect medium-sized effects. Nonetheless, using non-random sampling limits the generalizability of the findings, which should be considered when interpreting the results.  
Three dental professionals reviewed the questionnaire to ensure content validity. Based on their input, the items were improved for relevancy and clarity. A pilot test was conducted with 20 dental assistants (not included in the main study) to assess comprehensibility, internal consistency, and completion time. Minor adjustments were made based on the pilot findings. The variables recorded included demographics (sex, age), PPE usage (typeand frequency), disinfection technique (dose compliance, drying time), symptoms (type and duration), symptom onset timing, and room characteristics (presence of ventilation).  
Descriptive analysis was performed, and the frequencies of distribution were calculated in percentages. Proportions were compared using chi-squared tests, with \(p\)-values < 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel 365. Cross-tabulations were performed to explore associations between variables such as duration of symptoms and room ventilation.  
The participants in this study were 72% female and 28% male, ranging from 22 to 65 years old (Table 1).  
Symptoms were grouped into categories such as respiratory symptoms (irritation of the nasal mucosa, dry cough, rhinorrhea), ocular symptoms (burning), dermal symptoms (dermatitis), headache, and transient facial edema. The participants were asked to report the presence, type, and duration of any symptoms they experienced after using Oxycide(tm). Each symptom was self-reported using a structured checklist developed for this study.