Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Dr. Phil Wenk, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee, and Jeff McCormick, Senior Director of Stewardship with Interfaith Dental, who both talk about the importance of providing increased access to oral health care services and addressing the challenges of dental deserts in rural communities and encouraging more individuals to enter the field of dentistry.
During the interview, Dr. Wenk highlights their mission of “ensuring healthy smiles” and shares some background on Delta Dental of Tennessee, which has grown to become the largest independent dental insurance provider in the state, and their Smile180 Foundation, which supports Tennessee’s dental colleges, children’s hospitals, free and reduced-cost dental clinics, and other like-minded charities. He then provides some perspective and context around the community challenges currently faced with a shortage of dentists graduating from dental schools, dental deserts in rural counties, and access to oral health care for citizens, and then shares some of the plans for addressing these issues over the next five years. Jeff then discusses how this plays a role, along with Delta Dental of Tennessee’s support, in Interfaith Dental’s ability to create a healthier community by providing transformative oral health care for those experiencing poverty in Middle, Tennessee. He shares some of the stories of impact, why their work is so important, and how more companies and individuals can support their efforts.
Friday June 10th is the annual Tom Murphy Golf Classic which benefits Interfaith Dental – held at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. You can still sign up to attend this scramble golf tournament. interfaithdental.com/golf
Learn more:
Facebook: deltadentaltn / interfaithdental
Twitter: DeltaDentalTN / IntrfaithDental
Website: www.deltadentaltn.com / www.interfaithdental.com
Instagram: DeltaDentalTN
