OSAP Announces Recipients of Infection Control Leadership Awards Print

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2017 (ATLANTA) —  The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), a community of clinicians, educators, consultants, researchers and industry representatives who advocate for the Safest Dental Visit™, is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual OSAP Infection Control Leadership Awards and introduce a new Exhibitor Award. The OSAP Awards were presented at the Annual Infection Control Conference on June 22 – 25 and made possible through a grant from Henry Schein Dental. The new Exhibitor Award was voted on during the conference and was awarded to the exhibitor with the best educational presentation.

“The OSAP Leadership Awards were established to highlight our community and their commitment to infection control,” says Mike Smurr, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board. “This year’s recipients represent thought leaders, experts, and advocates for patient and provider safety. We are thrilled to honor them.”

20th Annual Dr. James J. Crawford Award: Margaret Cottrell

This award recognizes lifetime achievement in the field. Cottrell was one of the Founders of OSAP and has been affectionately referred to as the “Mother” of the organization. She has supported the organization by serving on both the Association and Foundation Boards of Directors. She has contributed her business expertise through strong financial stewardship as the organization’s treasurer and through active participation on key strategic committees.

16th Annual Dr. Milton Schaefer Award: Douglas Risk DDS, ABGD

This award celebrates superior service to the organization, recognizing either continuous contributions over a period of time or singular accomplishments. Dr. Doug Risk has been an integral part of the OSAP educational programming for several years involved with both Annual Conference and Boot Camp™ planning sessions. He has served as a speaker and liaison between the Air Force (and other branches of the armed forces) and OSAP— promoting infection control education, policies, practices, and dental healthcare personnel/patient safety initiatives.

10th James Cottone Award for Excellence in Investigative Research: Peter Arsenault DMD, MS & Amad Tayebi ScD, Esq

Dr. Arsenualt and Dr. Tayebi have advanced evidence-based research in eye safety in dentistry and bottom gap exposure protection recommendations. Their publications and presentations have been recognized by the OSAP, ADA, NIOSH, and OSHA as an improvement to the current eye safety standards in the health care industry.

3rd Annual Emerging Infection Control Leader Award: Kandis Garland RDH, MS

The goal of the Emerging Leaders Award is to help develop and promote the next generation of stars in the field of dental infection prevention and safety by identifying outstanding new infection control advocates. Garland has conducted research that focused primarily on infection control and has presented her research at regional, national and international meetings. She serves as a manuscript reviewer and as an infection control “Ask the Expert” Columnist.

15th Annual Bette & Paul Schwartz Award: Peggy Spitzer RDH, MAEd

This award is named in honor of a couple who personify the spirit of volunteerism for the organization and recognizes an outstanding volunteer from the previous year’s conference. Ms. Spitzer was unanimously voted to receive this award for her dedication, can-do attitude, and tremendous support throughout the 2016 conference.

Chairman’s Citation Awards

OSAP Chairman, Mike Smurr, presented special citations to these individuals who enriched the organization by contributing a unique blend of talents, skills, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of dental safety.

  • Suzanne Bauman
  • Cynthia Durley, MEd, MBA
  • Hudson Garrett, PhD, MSN, MPH
  • Pamela Head
  • Therese Long MBA, CAE
  • Regina Robuck, CAE
  • Susan Runner DDS, MA
  • Jean Wolff, RDH, MSEd

NEW Exhibitor Educator Award: Crosstex International

Crosstex International, Inc., a Cantel Medical company, received the Exhibitor Award. Crosstex manufactures a wide array of unique and innovative infection prevention and compliance products for the global healthcare industry. The award, voted on by the attendees of the annual conference, was based on several criteria: demonstration of a clear purpose for infection control, application of the product or service in a work setting, and providing a memorable presentation from company personnel. Over 30 exhibitors participated in the conference.

About OSAP

The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is the only dental membership association solely focused on infection prevention and patient safety education. Our members include individual clinicians, group practices, educators, researchers, consultants, trainers, compliance directors, policymakers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists, and toolkits that help dental professionals deliver the Safest Dental Visit for their patients. Plus, online and live courses help advance the level of knowledge and skill for every member of the dental team. For additional information, visit osap.org.

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