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A life well-lived: Dr John Rasmussen

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03 October 2014

A life well- lived: Dental Health Services Victoria pays tribute to Dr John Rasmussen

Dr John Rasmussen (1931-2014) was a “gifted clinician and teacher” said Dr Ian Steele, his friend and ex-colleague at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

Indeed, Dr Rasmussen would have been a familiar face to many and a well-respected dentist who served at the dental hospital for over three decades.

DHSV CEO Dr Deborah Cole remembers Dr Rasmussen fondly as a man with “a great sense of humour and empathy”.

“During his time, Ras taught scores of university students, from the undergraduates through to the post graduates, and he was a dedicated teacher who always had time for them,” she said.

“Ras was instrumental in helping many overseas graduates gain registration to practice dentistry in Australia.”

“He was also passionate about his work with patients from all walks of life and this showed his sense of humanity for those around him.”

Over the many years at the hospital, Dr Rasmussen’s skills and knowledge were evident in his expert treatment to patients visiting the hospital.  

“It’s worth noting his great expertise and thoughtful management of trauma cases, of malignancy cases, and grossly collapsed bites,” Dr Steele said.  

“He achieved satisfactory outcomes for patients when very competent clinicians could not.”  

Not only did he enjoy his work, Dr Rasmussen was a fascinating man with many interests.

He loved history, music, plays, travel, gardening, landscaping, wines and his family.  

“Ras loved his family enormously and shared family high points and challenges with us,” Dr Steele said.  

On behalf of Dental Health Services Victoria, the board and executive offer our condolences to Ras’ family and friends. We appreciate his immense contribution to the hospital and the oral health of Victoria.

Contact: Mingsia Lee | Tel: (03) 9341 1139

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Education

Dr Rasmussen was educated at St Kevin's College and graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science and later his postgraduate studies in Masters of Dental Science, under Professor Henry Atkinson and the Reader Dr Roy Shepherd.  

He began his specialist practice in Melbourne city and continued until around 1980, where he joined the dental hospital as a prosthodontist. He joined at a time when the Director, Dr John Dawkins, was recruiting specialist staff. This meant the hospital had two registered Removable Prosthodontists, the other being Dr James McCarthy, Head of the Restorative Unit.  These two colleagues had a great enduring friendship.

 

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