OSAP names Dr. Charles John Palenik as first Director of Research and Scientific Affairs

The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention has hired its first Director of Research and Scientific Affairs. Dr. Charles John Palenik assumed the newly created position on Sept. 1, and he is tasked with advancing the research into health and safety practices for oral health professionals. Dr. Palenik has a long resume of infection control and research leadership positions including a previous stint as OSAP chairmain.

While infection control is not everyone's favorite topic, it is an important part of the everyday life of everyone involved in the dental professional. Having a position dedicated to advancing IC and health safety research is a great move on OSAP's part, and Dr. Palenik brings the experience necessary to make sure the effort is a success. Congratulation to him on his new position, and good luck to both him and OSAP in their efforts.

Read the full press release below:

Palenik named OSAP’s first director of research, scientific affairs

ANNAPOLIS, MD-August 11, 2011-The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention recently named Dr. Charles John Palenik its inaugural director of Research and Scientific Affairs.

In this role, Dr. Palenik will oversee the activities of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee (RSAC) 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 pivotal position and filling it with a well regarded, well known infection control expert, 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 healthcare.

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.

He earned an MBA in Healthcare Facility Management at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, 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, Indiana and a master’s degree in Microbiology & Immunology in 1974 at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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 assumes his new responsibilities on September 1.

About OSAP

The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention is the world’s leading membership association exclusively dedicated to preventing disease transmission and ensuring the safe delivery of oral healthcare for all. As a non-profit organization, OSAP helps dental practitioners close the gap between policy and practice. Its members include dental and other healthcare professionals, consultants, researchers and non-governmental organizations, manufacturing and distribution companies, policy makers and academia. For more information, visit www.OSAP.org.