PCC Assistant Professor of Health Services Receives Hazel O. Torres Excellence in Education Award

Pasadena City College is proud to announce that Stephanie Schmidt, assistant professor of Health Sciences, was honored with the Hazel O. Torres Excellence in Education Award. The award, established by the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers, was presented to Schmidt for her 40 years of professional and voluntary service to the field of dentistry.

Schmidt, who received a Master of Science in Education from Boise State University, has dedicated more than 35 years to teaching dental assisting. Throughout her career as a certified and registered dental assistant and dental technician, she has voluntarily provided dental offices, schools, and various dental organizations with continuing education courses. She currently teaches for PCC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs.

“I am proud to be part of an educational experience that results in well-educated, professional, licensed and skilled graduates who enter the dental assisting field with an incomparable level of skill, unquestionable ethical and infection control standards, and a desire to do their best for their patients by honoring the State Dental Practice Act,” Schmidt said. “These are the same characteristics that Hazel Torres held in high regard, and I am honored to have received this award.”

Schmidt currently serves on the California Dental Assistants Association Nominating, Journal and Technology Committees and the PCC Distance Education Committee. She also continues her history of volunteerism by working with Meet Each Need With Dignity, a nonprofit organization that assists impoverished families in the San Fernando Valley.

“Stephanie’s commitment and dedication to the dental assisting profession is exemplified by her number of years in the profession and her willingness to help students,” said Dr. Lori Gagliardi, professor of Health Sciences. “PCC is proud of all her accomplishments and to have her on our staff.”