With heavy hearts, we share that Dr. John P. Rossetti passed away on August 9, 2011, after a brief illness. John led a distinguished career in the field of dental public health. He began public service with the U.S. Air Force in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict, where he headed the DENTCAP program, which brought oral health care to friendly native villages. John also served for several years as a rural community development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Puerto Rico and Panama. His dedication to oral health led him to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), where he first served with the Indian Health Service (IHS). He held leadership roles in the Mescalero Apache and Alamo Navajo Reservations, the California program office, and IHS headquarters in Rockville, MD. Thereafter, in 1989, he began working at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as chief dental officer for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), and he remained with HRSA until his retirement in 2002. Following his retirement, he continued to serve MCHB for several years in the capacity of lead Head Start oral health consultant and established a network of regional Head Start oral health consultants to promote oral health services for the Head Start population.

With his dedication to improving the oral health of America’s children, John accomplished a great deal. We will remember him for his steadfast support for state oral health program development and for establishing, with MCHB funding, the first oral health systems development grant program for states and communities, a school-based/school linked dental sealant grant program, and a state-fluoridation grant program. In addition, his efforts led to the sponsorship of national meetings such as the National Oral Health Conference; convening of numerous national, regional, and state oral health meetings; and the development of the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center and the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy Center.

In memory of John’s insight and guidance, which benefited countless USPHS officers, state oral health directors, students, and others, the USPHS Chief Dental Officer and Dental Professional Advisory Committee established The John Rossetti Mentor of the Year Award. The award was created to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of an oral health professional serving in an exemplary mentoring role to a less-experienced dentist. John was an active leader who found purpose in each and every day. We all agree that he will be remembered for his generous nature and willingness to help others and his ever-present desire to make the world a better place. He will be greatly missed.