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by Dr. Catrise Austin | September 25, 2025

This weekend, I had the opportunity to appear on Good Day Sacramento to answer a question I hear constantly: "Why does the dentist feel so pricey?" 

In this blog, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at my TV appearance, plus my 6 proven ways to save on dentistry. These are strategies I share with my own patients at VIP Smiles—because everyone deserves a confident, healthy smile without breaking the bank.

Dental costs can sneak up quickly. Between insurance gaps, rising technology fees, and the expense of delaying treatment, many people feel stuck. But there are smart ways to keep costs manageable—and most of them come down to being proactive.

Related resource: Let’s Talk Smiles Podcast — where I share tips on oral health, affordability, and celebrity smile news.

My POV: 6 Ways to Save on Dentistry

Stay Current on Routine Care

Skipping cleanings may feel like a short-term savings, but it’s the fastest way to end up with $1,500+ bills later.

• My POV: Prevention is always cheaper than fixing problems.
• Internal resource: Join my 7-Day Healthy Smile Workout Challenge for daily preventive tips.

Join a Membership Plan

If you don’t have insurance, ask about in-office memberships.

• My POV: At VIP Smiles, patients often save 20–40% on preventive care through memberships.

Compare Plans During Open Enrollment

Every year, from November through January, you can explore dental coverage options through Healthcare.gov. This is the best time to compare plans, check premiums, and see what coverage works best for your family.

• My POV: Don’t overlook this option! Too many people stick with the same plan year after year without realizing they could save hundreds by switching.
• External feature: Quoted in GoBankingRates.com on affordable dental access.

Use In-Network Providers

Your insurance benefits only stretch so far. Make sure your provider is in-network before booking.

• My POV: I’ve seen patients spend thousands more by accident because they didn’t double-check.

Ask About Flexible Financing Options

Dental care doesn’t have to be paid in full upfront. Many offices now offer monthly payment plans or third-party financing.

• My POV: At VIP Smiles, patients manage the cost of veneers, implants, and aligners by spreading payments out over a monthly period—making care more accessible without sacrificing quality.
• External Feature: Good Day Sacramento Interview on Making Dentistry Accessible

Explore Community Resources

From nonprofit programs to Mission of Mercy events, free care is available if you know where to look.

• My POV: I’ve volunteered at these clinics—they truly change lives. (Stay tuned: in my next Substack, I’ll share a list of free dental clinics in the U.S.)
• Internal resource: Affordable Dental Care in the USA: Free Guide.

The Arrival and Prep

From pulling up to the station to snapping selfies in the green room, the excitement was real.

On Air 

Sharing these tips live reminded me why media matters—it’s not just about TV time, it’s about educating and empowering viewers.

"Media platforms don’t just amplify your story—they amplify your authority." – Dr. Catrise Austin

• External feature: As seen on The Dr. Oz Show discussing dental health.

The Takeaway

Dentistry can feel expensive, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to keep costs under control and protect your smile. The key is being proactive, asking the right questions, and taking advantage of resources available to you.

Ready to take action?