John Hooper was the first Consultant Orthodontist in England to be appointed to a District General Hospital following the inception of the National Health Service. His example helped to determine the pattern for the future delivery of orthodontic services in this country. He died at the age of 92 on 12 December 2008. John David Hooper was born on 7 April 1916 and was educated at Ardingly College. He qualified in dentistry at the Royal Dental Hospital and then joined the staff in the orthodontic department. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, he was captured in Belgium and spent five years as a prisoner of war. Following liberation he married Sybil (née Morrison), a farmer’s daughter from East Lothian; they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2005. John Hooper was appointed in 1950 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Bournemouth. Despite a legendary work rate it quickly became apparent that the only way to cope with the demand was to utilise the services of interested local general dental practitioners. He provided them with training courses, diagnosis and treatment planning and continuing support which became a model that was soon followed throughout the country. He was President of the British Society for the Study of Orthodontics in 1967 and one of the founding members of the Consultant Orthodontists Group, becoming chairman in 1970. He also held the important post of advisor to the Dental Estimates Board which regulated the orthodontic treatment carried out as part of the General Dental Services. In addition to his professional achievements John was a family man and proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also a keen sailor and great rugby fan. Both he and Sybil were the most hospitable of hosts and enjoyed the company of their wide circle of friends. Sybil predeceased him in November 2007 and he is survived by his son David, daughter Sheila and their six children. John ran an efficient, productive but happy department and was completely committed to the ethos of the NHS. He was an excellent clinician and an enthusiastic teacher providing a role model for those of us that had the privilege of working with him.