New Northshore Dentist Creating Beautiful Smiles. And Reasons to Smile.

Jessica Perkins is an amazing woman. At 30 years old, she has already crossed many things off her “bucket list” that most of us mere mortals only dream about. In high school, she was head cheerleader, graduated second in her class, voted wittiest, most intellectual and most likely to succeed, and was the student body president. Besides marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, she spent St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland, and taught a cheer camp in London for underprivileged children. Oh, did I mention she was the 2000 World Catfish Queen and served as the official spokesperson for the industry for a year? “My father has been in the catfish business since before I was born,” Jessica laughingly explained. “It has supported our family for all of these years, so it was nice to give back.” Ten years later, she is still giving back. Just recently she got involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Besides providing funding for many flu shots and hours of research, several kids will be able to attend Camp Sunshine this summer because of her efforts.

With all these accolades and an obvious drive to succeed, it is no wonder that she is now well on her way to establishing herself as one of the Northshore’s up and coming young dentists. She attended the University of Mississippi for her undergraduate education, earning degrees in biology and chemistry, and recently graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry.

Growing up in Hollandale, Mississippi, Jessica was a tomboy who spent many of her days riding four wheelers in the mud, hunting and chasing after her two older brothers, Hayden and Rhett, whom she adores today. She gives credit to her parents for her success. “They really belived in me and pushed me,” she says. With extremely supportive parents, life-long friends and holidays spent with family happily described as being like “the Griswolds,” it is hard to believe that Jessica has had to deal with any adversity in life. However, nothing could be further from the truth. While still a teen, Hayden was in a car accident that left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Through it all, he maintained a positive attitude and is now a pediatric dentist in Mississippi, married, with three amazing sons. “He has taught me that nothing is unreachable or impossible, and if I really want something, then I have to go make it happen,” she said about her brother’s inspiring story. “I am a firm believer in being proactive. Dreams do come true, but you have to actually chase them. If you get knocked down, then you take a deep breath, stand up and keep going, because life is going to keep going with or without you.”

Her own journey toward a career in dentistry actually began in the third grade when she was diagnosed with severe jaw and bite problems. Like many people—young and old alike—she was afraid to go to the dentist. “He didn’t explain what was happening. I was scared, and it was not a pleasant experience.” At her urging, Jessica’s mom decided to switch dentists, a move that caused Jessica to change her perception of what a visit to the dentist should be like and what she herself strives to achieve with her own patients: Comfortable. Stress-free. Trustworthy. Gentle. With open communication.

“I know firsthand what it is like to have dental anxiety, so I really listen to my patient’s needs, wants, concerns and fears and do my very best to answer any questions.” Offering comprehensive dentistry, she, along with Drs. David Davenport and Andrew Voelkel, who both mainly work at Covington Dental Care, are able to offer their patients quality dental care at two convenient locations on the Northshore.

“Several studies have demonstrated a clear link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease,” said Jessica. “Proper dental care and maintenance are essential to overall good health, and we can be an integral part of your wellness goals.” Preventative services include routine cleanings, x-rays and examinations in order to ensure the health of teeth and gums. “We educate patients in the best techniques for maintaining good dental care habits at home,” she added. “We also provide restorative dentistry for teeth that have been decayed, damaged or lost. Procedures can include fillings, partials, crowns, implants and dentures, among others.”

Jessica is thrilled to be working in the new Mandeville location, a modern, state-of-the-art facility which opened this past September. And though she is a self-confessed Mississippi girl at heart, she already feels the Northshore is home. “The people are so warm and friendly. I have already made so many incredible friends here,” she said.

When not at work, you can be sure that Jessica is spending time with either her family or her friends, traveling, cooking (she is still trying to perfect a gumbo recipe) or hanging out with her dog, Remy.
As for her future, “In five years, I hope I am as happy as I am now, and have grown as a person, a professional and friend. I hope I have made a difference in someone’s life!” (Um, Jessica, you can scratch that one off your bucket list now.)

Mandeville Dental Care is located in the Old Mandeville Square shopping center, 2581 Florida Street, Suite A. To make an appointment or for more information, call 985-674-3114 or www.MandevilleDentalCare.com.