Phenol-based disinfectants are a classic, accepted category of agent used for which infection control purpose in the dental operatory?

Phenolic compounds are an EPA-registered category of intermediate-level surface disinfectant commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting dental operatory environmental surfaces (countertops, chairs, light handles) between patients — other accepted surface disinfectant categories include quaternary ammonium compounds and sodium hypochlorite-based products.