Why Our Austin Community Matters to Our Team

A truly exceptional orthodontic practice knows that its impact doesn’t begin and end inside the office. Rise + Smile Orthodontics serves our Austin community with compassion, care, and purpose. This means that when you work with us, you’re also giving back to the community where you live—which is pretty awesome.

Why Community Involvement Is So Important to Us

You might wonder what makes our office different from other practices offering Austin orthodontics. Beyond the latest technology and fantastic treatment results, our team is deeply rooted in our local neighborhoods. Supporting our community is genuinely a big part of who we are.

From sponsoring school events to helping foster kids get the care they need, our mission goes well beyond braces and aligners. We want every patient to know they’re supported wherever they go.

Here’s how we put that into action:

  • Supporting local elementary, middle, and high schools with donations, supplies, and festival participation
  • Offering free orthodontic treatment to foster children and families in need
  • Hosting drives and fundraisers for local causes
  • Creating a safe and welcoming space for patients with dental anxiety or special needs

Highlighting Our School Partnerships & Local Sponsorships

Our team takes great pride in supporting the schools that shape Austin’s future. Here’s how we show up for local kids at all stages of their lives:

Clayton Elementary

  • Participate in their annual Spring festival
  • Set up an engaging booth with fun, kid-friendly activities
  • Provide school supplies like homework folders (from past years)

Bowie High School

Goryzcki Middle School

  • Ongoing support for student programs and school initiatives

Kiker & Oak Hill Elementary

  • Provide parent pick-up tags to help with school safety and organization

Oak Hill Youth Sports Association & Circle C Seals

  • Sponsor youth sports teams where many of our patients play

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Team

  • Sponsored our local kids’ robotics team that went all the way to Nationals

Carrying Hope

  • Donate money and auction items to this incredible nonprofit supporting children entering foster care
  • Provide free orthodontic care to foster kids in our community

Community Events at Rise + Smile

One of Dr. Faulkner’s passions is contributing to events that give back and bring people together. Here are a few highlights:

  • Coat and food drives during the colder months
  • Valentine’s cards for kids undergoing cancer treatment at local hospitals
  • Pet supply drives and social media donation campaigns benefiting Austin Pets Alive
  • Park cleanups with the Austin Parks Foundation on “It’s My Park Day”
  • Girl Scout cookie donations to local first responders (yes, cookies AND kindness!)

We also tie many of our in-office contests to charitable giving, transforming fun into tangible impact.

Compassionate Care That Goes Beyond Orthodontics

As your trusted orthodontist in Austin, we know that clinical care is only part of the story. Our team is also focused on creating an environment where every patient—regardless of background or need—can feel safe, empowered, and understood.

  • Sliding scale and flexible financing: Though we’re a boutique practice, we work hard to make care financially accessible for all families.
  • Building trust with anxious patients: Some patients require multiple visits before they feel ready for treatment, and we’re here for that. No patient will ever feel forced or rushed into something they aren’t comfortable with under our care.
  • Hearing-impaired patients: We take extra care to make sure communication is clear and respectful for patients with accessibility needs.

There are plenty of offices that accommodate all patients, but only a few truly embrace them.

Why Our Austin Community Matters to Our Team

Why Choosing Local Matters

Choosing a local orthodontic practice in Austin, like Rise + Smile, over a corporate chain makes a meaningful difference in your care and community. Here’s how:

  • Personalized Treatment: We typically see fewer patients at a time, allowing for more one-on-one attention and continuity of care.
  • Doctor-Led Care: You’ll be treated by Dr. Faulkner alone throughout the course of your treatment, not a rotating cast of providers.
  • Accountability: Our local reputation matters to us. We are invested in earning and maintaining your trust so that you are fully confident in your partnership with us.
  • Accessibility: It’s easier to get in touch with our team directly when you need us most, without jumping through corporate hoops.

And of course, above all else, corporate chains simply don’t know and love Austin like we do!

Ready to Get Started?

If you or a family member has had orthodontic treatment on your radar for a while now, we’d love to welcome you in for a free consultation with Dr. Faulkner!