Palenik OSAP

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention has named Dr. Charles John Palenik as its inaugural director of Research and Scientific Affairs.In the role, Dr. Palenik will oversee the activities of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, and is charged with advancing organizational and individual research efforts concerning infection prevention and human health and safety, continual improvement of the scientific content of the annual symposium, formal review of study results, and other responsibilities designed to educate and prepare the next generation of preventionists.In creating this position and filling itt, OSAP meets one of its organizational strategic goals of identifying, fostering and building a strong community of recognized infection prevention and safety experts within oral health care.Dr. Palenik is a former OSAP chairman and past winner of OSAP's research award. He also received the organization’s Dr. Milton E. Schaefer Award for Superior Service.He recently retired from Indiana University School of Dentistry where he was professor of oral microbiology, director of Infection Control Research and Services and director of Human Health and Safety.The 2011 OSAP Infection Control Symposium best tipsHe earned an MBA in health-care facility management at Regis University in Denver, Colo., in 2007. He also earned a doctorate degree in behavioral sciences/dental health promotions in 2004 at University of Wales School of Health Education, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom, a doctorate in instruction systems technology in 2000 at Indiana University School of Education, Bloomington, Ind., and a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology in 1974 at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind.He has served on the boards of various professional organizations, including the American Association for Dental Research, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the American Association for Dental Research, the Dental Assisting National Board and the International Association for Dental Research. Dr. Palenik will assume his new responsibilities Sept. 1.For more information, visit www.OSAP.org.To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.