Affordable Dental Care Is Coming to Flint Michigan: Help Me Make It Happen For My Birthday

Updated May 05, 2025 by Dr. Catrise Austin

Why I’m Launching the VIP Smiles Discount Dental Plan in My Hometown


Hi, I’m Dr. Catrise Austin—celebrity cosmetic dentist, best-selling author, and founder of VIP Smiles. You may have seen me on The Dr. Oz Show or in Entrepreneur Magazine, but long before that, I was just a girl growing up in Flint, Michigan, dreaming of making people smile.

This year for my birthday, I’m asking for something more meaningful than gifts or celebration. I’m asking for your support in launching a project that’s deeply personal and urgently needed: the VIP Smiles Discount Dental Plan, right here in Flint—a city I love, but one that continues to face challenges when it comes to accessible, affordable healthcare.

The Painful Truth: Why This Plan Is Needed Now

Let’s talk real numbers.

  • Nearly 1 in 4 adults in America avoid going to the dentist because of cost.
  • Even basic cleanings, fillings, or emergency care can cost hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars out of pocket.

    • I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be when someone postpones care because they simply can’t afford it. And I’ve seen the transformation when that same person finally gets the smile they deserve—it’s not just cosmetic. It’s life-changing.

    So What Is the VIP Smiles Discount Dental Plan?
    It’s not insurance. It’s better.

    It’s a membership program that gives individuals and families access to 15%–50% discounts on dental services at my VIP Smiles office in Flint. That includes cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, and more—plus bonuses like:

    • Free telemedicine access
    • Mental health wellness resources
    • There are no waiting periods, no paperwork hassles, and no limitations on how often you can use the plan. Once you enroll, you save.

    What I Need and Why I Need Your Help


    I’ve already committed to bringing this program to life in Flint—but I need help to launch the website platform that will make this plan easy to find, understand, and join. This is where your support comes in.

    I’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds to:

  • Build the official website and membership portal
  • Offer enrollment events and dental awareness workshops


    • My goal is to remove the barriers to dental care that so many Flint residents face. But I can’t do this alone.

    Why This Is My Birthday Wish

     
    This project is my gift back to the city that raised me. Flint is where I developed the grit, passion, and purpose that shaped me into the doctor and entrepreneur I am today.

    If you’ve ever trusted me with your smile...

    If I’ve ever inspired you through my work...

    If you believe everyone deserves access to dental care, no matter their income...

    Then I ask you to stand with me today.

    Here’s How You Can Help


  • Donate to the GoFundMe campaign – Every dollar helps. Truly.
  • Sponsor a membership for a family or individual in need.
    • [Click here to support the campaign now – https://gofund.me/8ab24158]

    Let’s build something beautiful for Flint—one smile at a time.

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