Our mother always reminded us, “it doesn’t get any better than this.” This was her way of emphasizing the importance of being present and appreciating what we have, even during challenging times.

As a part of our series about women who are shaking things up in their industry, we had the pleasure of interviewing sisters Dr. Evelyn Cheek and Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry.

Dr. Evelyn Cheek is a practicing dentist who owns and operates Aspen Dental practices in Allen Park and Ypsilanti, Michigan. Prior to opening her first of two locations in 2018, she served as the director for public policy research at the American Dental Education Association, where she conducted in-depth research into public health and other policy issues affecting academic dentistry and oral health. Dr. Cheek is also a board certified Dental Public Health specialist.

Dr. Lucas-Perry After working at several private dental practice offices, Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry started at Aspen Dental as an associate, rotating between four different dental practices owned by her mother, who has been a practicing dentist for 20+ years. Soon after, she was inspired to open her first Aspen Dental location in Livonia, Michigan in 2016. She went on to open five additional locations in Canton, Lake Orion-Auburn Hills, Chesterfield, Roseville and Novi, Michigan.

Dr. Cheek and Dr. Lucas-Perry are sisters who live and work within 20 minutes of each other. Their family is known as ‘Michigan’s Dental Dynasty’ which includes their mother, father and brother, all of whom are dental professionals working at Aspen Dental with nearly 80 years of dental experience combined. Together the family owns and works in more than 14 Aspen Dental practices across Michigan, serving hundreds of individuals.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Dr. Cheek: In college, I chose to pursue dentistry, but I knew I didn’t want to follow the traditional path. Instead of solely focusing on clinical work, I was looking to make a broader impact and noticed that medical students had the opportunity to pursue dual degrees. However, the same opportunity did not exist for dental students so I proposed and helped create a customized dual-degree track so I could study both dentistry and public health.

After graduation I joined the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) as the Director of Public Policy Research where I interacted with policymakers, connected with deans, and advocated for oral health and access for underrepresented minorities. After about 5 years with ADEA, I took a moment to reflect and realized I had become farther removed from the true impact and change I set out to make. I wanted to get back to a place where I could see the effects of these policies I was advocating for on the ground.

This led me to join Aspen Dental, a decision driven by my desire to see a variety of patients with diverse needs as well as by Aspen Dental’s commitment to accessibility and affordability. I also saw an opportunity for growth, not just clinically but as a leader. Aspen Dental’s business model provides backend support while still allowing dentists to own and operate their practices with clinical autonomy, which gives my mother, sister, brothers and I a lot of freedom to be creative, which is important to us.

Dr Lucas-Perry: Growing up with my mom as a dentist, I spent a lot of time at her practice. Surprisingly, I wasn’t all that interested in dentistry back then. What really caught my attention was my dad’s entrepreneurial journey — owning car dealerships and leading teams. Watching him interact with people and manage his business was fascinating to me, which led me to major in business finance in college.

However, during my sophomore year, my sister encouraged and convinced me to attend a summer program that introduced students to the world of dentistry. That program was a turning point for me. It opened my eyes to an industry I had never fully appreciated and made me realize how much I enjoyed the idea of being hands-on, connecting with people, and applying leadership skills in a meaningful way. After that summer, I decided to apply to dental schools and was thrilled to be accepted into the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where I had the unique opportunity to study alongside my sister.

My journey to dentistry wasn’t without a few detours. After a successful Division 1 basketball career at Michigan State University, I was drafted to play professionally with the Seattle Storm and even had the chance to play overseas. Basketball was a huge part of my life — it taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. But after some time, I felt the pull to return home and fully commit to dentistry. It was a decision that combined everything I was passionate about: leadership, connecting with people, and making an impact.

Can you tell our readers what it is about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
Dr. Cheek: Early on, I understood that as a business owner, it’s not enough to simply clock in, see patients, and then clock out. The real disruption lies in recognizing that you can’t truly serve patients without a well-developed and engaged team.

With this understanding, we’ve been able to create new roles and positions throughout our practices. These roles are designed to challenge and push our team members through various programs and training opportunities. For instance, we try to elevate our lead dental assistants wherever possible. This involves holding them to a high standard and working closely with them to ensure they have the support and training they need to recognize their full leadership potential. Over the course of these trainings, we’ve found that many dental assistants haven’t had the opportunity to participate in leadership roles before, so personalized support is crucial to giving them the opportunity to fully develop their leadership skills.

We also conduct monthly office manager meetings. I recognize that this may sound routine, but during these meetings, we pull a manager out of their regular office environment and immerse them in a more comprehensive understanding of the business, which involves walking them through performance reviews and learning about financials. We also engage our employees with book studies, discussing how the content of the book relates to their personal development goals and also exploring how the insights from these books can be applied to our business.

In essence, we’re not just disrupting the traditional approach to dentistry, we’re also fostering a culture of leadership and continuous learning within our team.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: The way I lead and the way I’ve chosen to grow and create my teams is based on Aspen Dental’s model — to implement cutting edge dentistry. This has become a part of me and is engrained in everything that I do. I’ve always aspired to be an owner who genuinely knows their employees and fosters a professional family environment. My goal is to disrupt traditional norms and to emphasize working in my practices is more than just a job. I have the ability to make those around me better and feel valued, which I believe leads to employee retention and long-term success.

I carry this mentality into how I am as a mom as well. I am fully involved — never missing out on anything, volunteering and being very present. It has to permeate all areas of life. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting?

Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Dr. Lucas-Perry: When I first started with Aspen, I worked alongside my mom at one of her offices and a patient told me that I looked really great one day. I took it as a compliment but later realized that they had mistaken me for my mom, a tenured dentist. When you’re in your twenties and someone compares you to your mom, who is decades older, it’s not exactly the compliment you hope to receive.

I still laugh about that and even to this day people often confuse me for my mom, but I take it with a lot more pride now because my mom is a great dentist so that must mean I am too!

We all need a little help along the journey. Who have been some of your mentors? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?
Dr. Cheek: My mother has been a huge mentor in my life. I’ve always admired her ability to balance work and everyday life, a skill I strive to emulate in my role at Aspen Dental each day.

My sister, Victoria, has also significantly influenced me. I admire her knack for creating a supportive network, both at home and in the office. I made a conscious effort to develop this skill in 2024, and I now see my teams benefiting from coaching and development, which is vital for both their growth and my continued development as a leader.

In addition to my family, I’ve had other key mentors, including Dr. Isabel Garcia, dean of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and Dr. George Taylor, public health dental specialist, among others. They’ve been invaluable, providing not only a listening ear but also meaningful advice. They’ve taught me how to approach situations objectively and strategically, lessons that continue to guide me in my career. Dr. Lori McCauley, professor and dean of the School of Dentistry, and professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School, was also a huge mentor to me — she was a real visionary and was always authentic with everyone she encountered, that was something I really enjoyed.

Dr. Peter J. Poloverini, my dean at the University School of Dentistry, was also a huge supporter of mine. He encouraged me to create the dual degree program and to think outside of the box. I appreciated how he supported innovative thinking and allowed students the flexibility to explore the myriads of opportunities in the dental profession. I am also incredibly grateful to Dr. Todd Ester who helped guide me through the dental school process. He was a mentor to me not only during dental school but following graduation he provided me with support and helped me grow professionally.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: I’m both a leech and a shark when it comes to gaining new information — I absorb as much as I can from those around me and am always on the hunt for opportunities to learn and grow. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have numerous mentors who’ve taught me invaluable lessons and played pivotal roles in shaping my journey.

At the University of Michigan, Dr. Todd Ester and Dr. Marilyn Wolfolk were catalysts for my dental career. Their encouragement and guidance gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to take my first steps in the field. Dr. Paul Gates, former chair of the dentistry department at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, also had a profound impact on my journey, offering me invaluable insight, encouragement, and access to a network of incredible people who supported me along the way to becoming a dentist. Another instrumental mentor has been Dr. Dennis Mitchell, now the Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and professor of dental medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. He played a significant role in helping me secure a position running a children’s health-based school center in New York. Through his mentorship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what it means to make an impact in the community.

At its core, my journey has been deeply influenced by my sister Evelyn, who has always pushed me to strive for my full potential. But when it comes to true heroes, my parents and grandparents are at the top of my list. Their unwavering support and the values they’ve instilled in me have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. I am incredibly lucky to have a family unit that is so strong, because having that kind of love, encouragement, and stability is priceless.

In today’s parlance, being disruptive is usually a positive adjective. But is disrupting always good? When do we say the converse, that a system or structure has ‘withstood the test of time’? Can you articulate to our readers when disrupting an industry is positive, and when disrupting an industry is ‘not so positive’? Can you share some examples of what you mean?
Dr. Cheek: All disruption in my view is positive because there are always lessons to be learned, even from negative situations. When I first started at Aspen, we were using scans for partial dentures, which sometimes took up to six weeks to complete.

Eventually, Aspen rolled out new scanners which made the process easier and quicker. Initially, I was hesitant to use this new technology, but once I saw the results, I realized its effectiveness. More importantly, it had a significant impact on patients and their experience at our offices. The new technology allowed me to visually show patients what was happening in their mouths and explain the importance of achieving a healthy mouth quickly. The scanner has proven to be an invaluable tool that helps patients develop a fundamental understanding of the status of their oral health and how we will reach a solution to their dental woes.

In dentistry and medicine in general, it’s crucial for doctors and patients to be on the same page, and this ‘disruptive’ new technology is one example of how disruption can lead to positive change.

Adapting to new technology or developing a new process takes time and will certainly come with its own set of issues and challenges. It’s important to look at each challenge, issue or failure as an opportunity to learn something new because I believe we can learn the most from our mistakes or failures. My philosophy is to avoid stagnation and continually strive for improvement, ensuring patients receive the best care and my team members continue to grow.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: Change isn’t always positive, and for me, the hardest part about being a disruptor isn’t coming up with new ideas — it’s being consistent and showing up every single day, especially when it’s tough. I tell my kids all the time: consistency is one of the biggest factors in success. It’s not about being perfect or doing something extraordinary every day — it’s about putting in the effort, even when you don’t feel like it. In my experience, the people who excel aren’t necessarily doing anything magical; they’re just showing up, consistently. And that’s not easy — it’s one of the hardest things to do. But consistency builds trust, creates opportunities, and lays the foundation for real progress. Being a disruptor requires more than bold ideas — it takes commitment and follow-through, even when motivation fades or obstacles appear. That’s why I teach my kids that success isn’t about luck or talent alone; it’s about putting one foot in front of the other and doing the work, no matter what. Consistency doesn’t just move you forward — it sets you apart.

Can you share 3 of the best words of advice you’ve gotten along your journey?
Dr. Cheek and Dr. Lucas-Perry:

Our mother always reminded us, “it doesn’t get any better than this.” This was her way of emphasizing the importance of being present and appreciating what we have, even during challenging times.
Another piece of wisdom we grew up with came from our father, who would often say, “use your brain, do your best.” This has stayed with us throughout our careers, especially at Aspen Dental, where we’re acutely aware of our influence on others. It encourages us to apply strategic and critical thinking, especially when dealing with not only patients’ health but their emotions as well.
Our nana, who I’m (Evelyn) named after, instilled in us five principles: “God, self, family, love, and discipline.” These principles have guided us throughout our entire lives both personally and professionally, remind us that there’s a higher purpose beyond personal success. They encourage us to view things holistically, serve a higher being, and remain humble. We’ve instilled these principles within our children as well, and they can all recite them by heart.

We are sure you aren’t done. How are you going to shake things up next?
Dr. Cheek: I want to continue elevating my team members in different ways. One way I want to do this is by stepping back a little bit more from a clinical perspective to allow others a chance to be put into leadership roles.

I also want to continue hosting leadership conferences and focus on driving success of digital dentures by printing new models and identifying what other workflows we can implement to further advance dentistry.

Dr Lucas-Perry: This year was the first year my family won a company-wide leadership award, an Aspy from Aspen Dental, for operational excellence — I’m really proud of that recognition because it recognizes our work to advance patient care across Michigan.

Moving forward, I want to continue growing, developing and eventually stabilize operations and patient experience across all my practices. I’m planning to focus on creating strength among my teams and developing them as much as possible.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by ‘women disruptors’ that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
Dr. Cheek: One of the challenges I’ve observed is the perception of women with strong personalities as being “bossy,” while men with similar traits are seen as leaders.

That’s why it’s crucial to have a supportive team who appreciates strong women. While I strive to balance my assertiveness with compassion, it’s all about assessing a situation and determining the best response.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: The biggest challenge for me is finding the balance between home life and work. I’ve realized over time that there isn’t a balance but instead a juggling act 100% of the time. I try to focus on what’s helping me grow, what I can delegate or outsource while also still making time to show up for myself and my family.

Do you have a book/podcast/talk that’s had a deep impact on your thinking? Can you share a story with us?
Dr. Cheek: I’ve always liked the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. It was one of the first books that offered me a fresh perspective on life, challenging the notion that people are simply born into their circumstances. I particularly enjoyed how the book used data and numbers to explain outcomes, as well as concepts related to accessibility and influence.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: One talk that’s had a profound impact on me is Kris Jenner’s MasterClass on personal branding and leadership. What really stood out to me was her unapologetic focus on hard work, adaptability, and the power of relationships. Kris shared stories about how she built a brand not just for herself but for her entire family, emphasizing that success doesn’t happen by accident — it’s about strategy, discipline, and consistently showing up.

One story she told really stuck with me. She talked about how, early in her career, she had to pivot and take risks when opportunities didn’t work out as planned. Instead of seeing those moments as failures, she used them as learning experiences to refine her approach. It reminded me of my own journey, balancing motherhood, career, and personal goals. There have been so many times when I’ve had to think on my feet, adjust to challenges, and push through uncertainty — all while staying true to my vision.

The biggest takeaway for me was how Kris emphasized intention. She said, “Everything you do should have a purpose — whether it’s a meeting, a conversation, or a decision. It should move you closer to your goals.” That advice reshaped how I think about my time and energy. It reminded me to focus on what truly matters and to be deliberate in my actions, especially when it comes to building something meaningful.

Her MasterClass was not just about business — it was about life. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of showing up consistently, embracing opportunities, and staying adaptable in the face of change. That’s a message I carry with me every day and strive to instill in my family and team.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Dr. Cheek: I’m passionate about expanding access to dental care for patients. However, we need more healthcare providers. I also see a lack of progress in the dental field when it comes to the representation of African Americans, particularly as providers. I believe a deliberate push to increase minority representation in the dental field could significantly impact access to care.

Dr. Lucas-Perry: I truly believe that change starts with our youth, and that’s where I want to make a real impact. These days, young people are influenced by so much, especially through social media, and it feels like the sense of true community and connection is slipping away. It’s something I think about a lot.

I see it all the time with the young girls who come into my office. So many of them are looking for mentorship, guidance, or just someone to listen to them. And honestly, it doesn’t seem like they always have someone in their corner to help them figure things out. That’s something I want to change. I want to be that person who shows up for them, offers advice, and helps them see their potential.

Just imagine if social media was full of positivity instead of pressure and comparisons. What if it inspired young people instead of making them feel like they’re not enough? That kind of shift could be life-changing, and I believe we can make it happen. But it starts with showing up for them, leading by example, and creating the kind of supportive environment they need to thrive.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Dr. Cheek and Dr. Lucas-Perry: Our nana’s five principles of God, self, family, love and discipline are undoubtedly the guiding force for us and our families. Our kids actually recite them every morning, and our entire family strives to live by these values each day.

Dr. Cheek: Another quote I really like and have followed is by Maya Angelou — it states that “if you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” This mantra resonates with me because I always push the boundaries and lean into rolling up my sleeves to find a solution to a problem. As I have matured, I’ve also learned what battles are worth fighting — as a young person, I was more aggressive and steadfast but now I am more strategic with how I spend my time and energy.

Inspired by Dr. Cheek and Dr. Lucas-Perry’s story?
At Aspen Dental, we believe in empowering leaders, supporting growth, and creating space for women to thrive and disrupt the status quo — both in and outside the operatory. If you’re ready to build a career where your voice matters and your impact is real, explore our open roles today.

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