Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards

Which mode of disease transmission is of greatest concern when a patient with an upper respiratory infection undergoes prolonged intraoral myofunctional therapy?

Answer: Droplet and contact transmission

Respiratory pathogens spread primarily via respiratory droplets and direct/indirect contact with oral secretions, both of which are elevated during intraoral procedures.

What minimum contact time (dwell time) must an EPA-registered disinfectant remain wet on a surface to achieve its labeled efficacy?

Answer: It varies by product label; the labeled contact time must be followed

Each EPA-registered disinfectant has a specific contact time listed on its label, and that labeled time must be followed to achieve the stated kill claims.

Which condition would require a clinician to use soap and water rather than an alcohol-based hand rub?

Answer: When hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with bodily fluids

Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with organic material; soap and water must be used in these situations.

Which personal protective equipment is specifically designed to protect the clinician's clothing from gross contamination during procedures?

Answer: Protective gown or apron

Protective gowns or aprons are worn to prevent contamination of street clothing and skin during procedures that may generate splatter of blood or other potentially infectious materials.

How should single-use disposable items (e.g., tongue depressors, gauze) be handled after use with a patient?

Answer: Discarded immediately into appropriate waste receptacles after single use

Single-use items are designed for one patient use only and must be discarded immediately after use; reprocessing them creates contamination risk and violates labeling.

What is the recommended sequence for donning (putting on) PPE before an intraoral orofacial myology procedure?

Answer: Gown → Mask → Eye protection → Gloves

CDC recommends donning PPE in the order: gown first, then mask or respirator, then eye protection, and finally gloves (which go on last to avoid contaminating them during gown tying).

Which agency publishes the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings that serve as a reference for orofacial myologists working in clinical environments?

Answer: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes evidence-based infection control guidelines for dental and oral health-care settings that are widely adopted by orofacial myologists.