COM Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Referral Protocols Flashcards
6 cards from real COM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 COM Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Referral Protocols flashcards as text
Which dental specialist most frequently refers patients for orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Answer: Orthodontist
Orthodontists most frequently refer patients to COMs because unresolved myofunctional disorders are a leading cause of orthodontic relapse.
What essential information should a COM include in a written referral report to a collaborating physician?
Answer: Clinical assessment findings, functional concerns, and recommended therapy
A COM's referral report should include assessment findings, identified functional concerns, and the recommended therapy plan to support effective interdisciplinary communication.
To which specialist should a COM refer an adult patient when sleep-disordered breathing is suspected?
Answer: Sleep medicine physician or ENT specialist
Suspected sleep-disordered breathing should be referred to a sleep medicine physician or ENT specialist for evaluation, as proper diagnosis is beyond the scope of orofacial myofunctional practice.
What is the COM's primary role in patient care following a lingual frenuloplasty?
Answer: Providing myofunctional therapy to rehabilitate tongue function and prevent fibrous reattachment
Post-frenuloplasty myofunctional therapy is critical for rehabilitating tongue function and preventing reattachment by introducing active movement patterns during the healing process.
When is it appropriate for a COM to refer a patient back to their general dentist during an active therapy course?
Answer: Whenever oral health changes are observed that require dental evaluation
A COM should refer a patient back to their dentist whenever oral health changes are noted during therapy, as dental status can directly affect myofunctional treatment progress.
Which finding observed during a myofunctional assessment warrants immediate medical referral?
Answer: Sudden onset dysphagia with neurological signs
Sudden onset dysphagia accompanied by neurological signs may indicate a stroke or serious neurological event and requires immediate physician referral.