PHILADELPHIA COUNTY DENTAL SOCIETY

PO Box 189, Glendora, NJ 08029

1-215-925-6050

Email: lgottlieb@philcodent.org

DRS. SAMUEL R. AND LOUIS E. ROSSMAN

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICATION

The Philadelphia County Dental Society, a component Society of the American Dental Association, through the generous donation of Dr. Louis E. Rossmam, will award scholarship grants to dental students in the Class of 2026 at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. The scholarship program is intended to help students meet immediate financial needs and support students in their professional endeavors. It is funded through the donation of Dr. Louis E. Rossman in honor of his late father, Dr. Samuel R. Rossman.

Honoring a Pioneer

Dr. Samuel R. Rossman was a trailblazer in the field of dentistry and endodontics. After graduating from Temple University School of Dental Medicine in 1933, he established a practice in South Philadelphia. During World War II, Dr. Rossman found hismelf in Egypt without any dental equipment or supplies - not even an aspirin. Assigned to the British Eighth Army, he was responsible for the dental care of 1,200 soldiers across a 500-mile area. Over seven months, he traversed deserts, captured German dental equipment, and improvised a dental chair using a P-40 airplane pilot's seat, all while maintaining a 40-gallon water supply. His office and living quarters were housed in a trailer that journeyed through Egypt, Sicily, Italy, and India, eventually being disassembled and shipped over the Himalayas to China.

After the war. Dr. Sam Rossman specialized in Endodontics, becoming one of only two dentists in Philadelphia to do so at that time. He saved countless teeth during an era when extractions were the common treatment. Dr. Samuel Rossman practiced in Center City Philaelphia and taught at the University of Pennsylvania from 1953-1978. In 1981, he and his son, Louis, became the first recognized fater and son dimplomates of the American Board of Endodontics.

Continuing the Legacy

Dr. Louis Rossman has also made significant contributions to the field. He has joined an elite group of endodontists, achieving the quadruple crown of endodontics. His roles have included President of the American Association of Endodontics, the American Board of Endodontics, and the Foundation of Endodontics, as well as being a founding member of the College of Diplomates. In 2019, he was honored with the Edgar D. Coolidge Award for his exceptional dedication and leadership in endodontics and dentistry.

Encouraged by his father, Dr. Sam Rossman, Louis became actively invovled in organized dentistry through the Philadelphia County Dental Society (PCDS). His initial participation with PCDS paved the way for his numerous achievements in this field.

When Dr. Rossman proposed the idea of a Legacy Scholarship to PCDS, his vision was clear: to inspire upcoming dental graduates to give back to the profession in gratitude for those who paved the way before them. He emphasized the importance of involvement in organized dentistry, reminding students that the future of dental medicine rests in their hands - never forget your roots.

Criteria for Selection

Criteria for selection will include interest in pursuing or acceptance into an Endodontic residency program, involvement in organized dentistry, service to the community, and academic achievement. All applicants must also be current members of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) in good standing.

These scholarships are available to students at Philadelphia's two dental schools - Temple and Penn.

Recipients will be selected and notified by email no later than January 1, 2026 and checks/awards will be presented at the Philadelphia County Dental Society Installation of Officers Ceremony in February 2026, full details to follow. Recipients will be invited to the presentation of awards followed by dinner.

If you wish to apply, you MUST complete the online application and attach:

1. confirmation of current ASDA membership [e.g., a copy of your membership card or a letter or FAX from ASDA in Chicago];
2. a current OFFICIAL transcript from your dental school;
3. a current professional CV/resume;
4. a letter of recommendation from your dean or a faculty member.

Applications and all enclosure must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025;

applications received after that will NOT be eligible for consideration.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered or acknowledged.

(See Application below)

Your application MUST include the following:

1. confirmation of current ASDA membership [e.g., a copy of your membership card or a letter or fax from ASDA in Chicago];
2. a current OFFICIAL transcript from your dental school;
3. a current professional CV/Resume;
4. a letter of recommendation from your dean or a faculty member.

Applications and all enclosures must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025;

applications received after that will NOT be eligible for consideration.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered or acknowledged.