Editor's Note: This story was first published in the Fall 2025 Edition of the Dental Link Magazine.

On a July morning in São José dos Campos, Brazil, a ribbon stretched across the entrance of a brand-new dental care facility. As the mayor handed over the ceremonial scissors, members of the Marchini family stepped forward. Leo Marchini, watching on a video call from Iowa City, felt both the ache of distance and the fullness of pride as his mother and sister—joined by his young nephew, who carries his father’s name—cut the ribbon to open the Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas Dr. Norberto Marchini.

For Leo, Professor and DEO of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, the moment was more than a dedication. It was the public recognition of the man who had shaped his life’s work. The Dental Specialties Center was named in honor of Norberto who left an important legacy in dentistry in the municipality.

“My father was certainly the most influential person in my life, and his values live in me,” says Leo, “We worked together for 17 wonderful years before I moved to Iowa. I also learned a great deal of dentistry from his mentorship.”

Dr. Norberto Marchini graduated from dental school in 1981 and spent four decades caring for patients in São José dos Campos until his passing in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He divided his career between private practice and public service as a municipal dentist. From children at a community school to older adults receiving dentures, his patients saw not just a clinician but a steady presence of empathy.

“He always wanted what was best for his patients,” he recalls, “That was his main guiding principle. And he tried his best to deliver treatment in a compassionate way—making people feel at ease and building relationships of trust with the community.”

Those relationships endured. Former patients, now adults, would often stop him within the community to share how his care had influenced not only their health but their career paths. Many had become health care providers themselves, inspired by his example.

The new facility carrying his name will continue that mission, serving the city’s 700,000 residents with both primary and specialty dental care. For Leo and his family, the tribute reflects the deep gratitude of a community that recognized Norberto’s quiet but transformative service.

At Iowa, Leo carries forward his father’s philosophy in every setting—whether in the clinic, the classroom, or working alongside colleagues. 

“The compassionate care extended to every person who comes to be treated, regardless of their paths in life, is an important lesson,” he says, “That same care extends to the whole dental team and the community we serve.”

Although speaking about his father remains difficult since his passing, Leo knows his students and peers see the legacy in how he treats others—with respect, patience, and kindness.

“What I hope people remember when they see his name on that facility is simple,” Leo says. “That he was a compassionate dentist who did his very best to improve oral health in the community.”

For Leo, honoring that legacy means living it—spreading compassion in every appointment, every lecture, every interaction. It is a thread connecting São José dos Campos to Iowa City and a father to a son.