2023 Outstanding Alumnus Award Winner
Dr. Ken Dillehay grew up on a small family farm in Carthage, Tennessee. After graduating from Castle Heights Military Academy, Dr. Dillehay earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1979 and Master of Science in 1982 from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. After completing his residency, Dr. Dillehay entered an orthodontic private practice in Wichita, Kansas and has been practicing since 1982.
In addition to his dedication to his patients, Dr. Dillehay is a leader in local, state, and national professional dental organizations. Dr. Dillehay is the orthodontic specialty examiner and consultant for the Kansas Dental Board. He has served as president to eight various professional dental organizations, including the University of Tennessee alumni board of trustees. He served as the vice-president of the ADA, and most recently, Dr. Dillehay had the honor and privileged to serve as president of the American Association of Orthodontists in 2021–2022.
Dr. Dillehay has received numerous awards and recognition during his career. He was presented with the prestigious Dentist of the Year Award from both the Kansas Dental Association and the Wichita District Dental Society. He was named Advocate of the Year from the American Student Dental Association. Most recently, he was awarded the Martin Dewey Award from the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists in 2022.
Community service is a passion for Dr. Dillehay. He is active in the East Wichita Rotary Club and was awarded the Service Above Self Award in 2009. Other involvement includes the Kansas Mission of Mercy, Habitat for Humanity, and Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas, just to name a few.
Dr. Dillehay is married to his wife Becky of forty-five years. They have two sons, JK, his orthodontic partner, and Taylor, a practicing attorney, as well as three wonderful grandchildren.
