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The School of Dentistry is proud to announce that the Sterile Processing Department at the Center for Oral Health Care and Research has been honored with the prestigious Superior Lab Safety Award. This award, traditionally given to research labs, was presented in recognition of the department’s exceptional efforts in fostering a positive culture of safety, making it the first non-research lab to receive this distinction.

This accolade will be featured on the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) website as a testament to the Sterile Processing Department’s commitment to lab safety—a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of our researchers, clinicians, students and educators. The department’s dedication to maintaining rigorous safety standards directly supports Íø±¬³Ô¹Ï’s mission to promote excellence in health care and research.

Key factors contributing to the award include:

• Completion of all required lab safety-related training courses.
• Prompt correction of noted lab deficiencies.
• Consistent demonstration of safe practices during lab activities.
• Adherence to institutional safety procedures and the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Effective collaboration between EH&S and lab personnel.

The award is a result of a concerted team effort. The Sterile Processing Department consists of Robin Lopez, Central Sterilization Supervisor, alongside a team of skilled Sterilization Technicians: Janie Lara, Savanna Smith, Brig Pacheco, Janie Rodriguez and Thomas Villarreal.

Help us congratulate the Sterile Processing Department on its long-term commitment to safety and its role in creating a safer workplace for all!