TENNESSEE HEALTH CARE HALL OF FAME NOMINEE PHILIP WENK

Dr. Phil Wenk is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry who practiced in Clinton, TN, for 20 years. In 1997, he accepted the role of chief operating officer at Delta Dental of Tennessee, a nonprofit dental benefits provider, where he continues to serve to this day. In 2000 he became president and CEO, and he has earned a reputation as one of Tennessee’s principal health care executives.

Dr. Wenk has grown Delta Dental to be the largest independent dental benefits provider in the state, with more than 2,000 employer groups representing over 1.2 million Tennesseans. Through the Tennessee Dental Safety Net Denture Program, more than $1.25 million has benefitted over 2,300 Tennesseans to date—in many cases, patients who received affordable prostheses have gone on to live healthier lives and find better jobs.

Under Dr. Wenk’s leadership, Delta Dental has greatly expanded its philanthropic giving. The organization launched its philanthropic arm, the Smile180 Foundation, in 2015. Under the direction of Dr. Wenk and his team, the program has provided more than $30 million in statewide grants and community support. In 2016, Delta Dental gave away 75 percent of net revenues to support communities across the state, and the organization has become the single largest donor to the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Through the Foundation, Dr. Wenk has led Delta Dental to build an ambulatory dental clinic at every children's hospital in Tennessee that has space. These clinics allow pediatric dentists to serve patients and to bring in children with mental or physical challenges. The Smile180 Foundation now serves 25 total clinics across the state, providing operational support and capital needs for independent clinics and equipment assistance for federally qualified clinics. In addition to its direct contributions in terms of dental equipment, the Smile180 Foundation provides Tennessee Charitable Care Network dental providers the opportunity to attend an annual conference at no expense. This opportunity for free and charitable dental providers to network and participate in a day of education and personal growth is deeply appreciated by all who attend.

Dr. Wenk serves as a member of the University of Tennessee President’s Council, chair of the University of Tennessee Foundation Board and chair of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) Advisory Council in Knoxville. He also serves on boards for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Church Health in Memphis and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. He is a past chair of the American Cancer Society board and a recipient of the organization’s national St. George’s award. His other accolades include: “Top 100 Distinguished Alumni” in Tennessee Alumnus, the University of Tennessee system’s alumni magazine, recognition as a “Health Care Hero,” inclusion in the Nashville Business Journal’s “Health Care 100” and a Nashville Business Journal “Most Admired CEO.”

In addition to his commitment to community service and engagement, Dr. Wenk is known to carry a bright smile and generous spirit.