The 2022-2023 District 7 Trustee is Chase Perkins! Get to know a little bit about him through this Q&A session.
Q: Tell us about yourself 😊 Where are you from? Where do you go to school? What made you go into dentistry?
A: I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN, went to undergrad there at IPFW, and now I’m a D3 at Indiana. I decided to pursue dentistry because I was always drawn towards helping others and the healthcare field but I also always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I felt like dentistry was a good blend of healthcare and business.
Q: What is your favorite thing about ASDA and about District 7?
A: It’s hands down the people. District 7 has become like family to me. I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten to create so many meaningful relationships with others from across the District.
Q: What do you hope to see from District 7 in the next year?
A: I hope to see us be of better service to our local chapters. I want to concert our effort on chapter development and investing in their growth with the District’s knowledge and resources.
Q: What are 3 things on your bucket list?
A: Skydiving, travel to Spain, and go deep sea fishing. (4th one has got to be attending a Steelers game in Pittsburgh)
Q: Why should people get involved in organized dentistry?
A: Organized dentistry is so important because it amplifies our voice as a profession. Advocating for ourselves individually, while practicing dentistry, and having our own personal lives would be incredibly challenging; organized dentistry helps us have a unified voice that can be represented on our behalf.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I really like to try new restaurants with my wife. I grew up a pretty picky eater, so now that I’ve come out of that shell, it’s fun going to someplace new and just trusting the culinary expertise of the chef/cook.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming D1?
A: Outside of getting involved in ASDA, it would have to be to not worry so much about what everyone is doing in school. It’s so easy to start comparing yourself to all of your competent classmates. You’ll never truly know how well others are doing and it’s not beneficial to get wrapped up in that. Just focus on doing your best and stick to what you know works well for you.
Q: What ASDA initiative are you most passionate about?
A: I’m very passionate about the new mental health initiatives, because we can’t function properly if we can’t take care of ourselves. I hope to see the development of some resources that can really benefit our members and help navigate dental school.
Q: If you had to make a slogan or motto for ASDA District 7, what would it be?
A: Work hard, play hard 😎 I’m always impressed with how much our District is able to accomplish and our representation at conferences and on the national level. But additionally, we always have a great time together.