A dedicated family man, youth baseball coach and motivational speaker, Dr. Bobby Grossi is also the author of two books: Changing the Face of Dentistry, and Your Destiny is Not Hereditary: How Becoming a Better You Impacts Others, the latter published in September.
Every year, Dr. Grossi and his team provide an entire day of free dental services to people without insurance. He is an active member of many Greater Flint area chambers of commerce and has received several community service awards, along with being voted “America’s Top Dentist” by the Consumers Research Council of America.
Formerly operating as Gateway Dental, Dr. Grossi recently re-opened his practice under the name Grossi Dental and Wellness, which will offer an expanded service menu. MCM asked Dr. Grossi to answer a few questions about his professional career and growing up in Flint.
What part of Greater Flint are you from, originally?
My family lived in Flint off Forest Hill Avenue until I was five years old, then near Carman Schools in Flint Township until I was 21.
Where did you attend school?
After graduating from Powers Catholic High School, I attended Mott Community College for two years, then graduated from University of Michigan-Flint in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. From 1999-2003, I went to University of Detroit Mercy Dental School, graduating with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery.
What aspects of your career are the most exciting?
I love the interaction with different people, patients – and that I can have a greater impact on their health, emotionally and physically. I love trying to make a difference.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I’m proud of a lot of things! I am proud that I graduated with highest honors in progressive orthodontic training, and have advanced training in sleep apnea and dental implants. I am proud that I had the courage to write two books when, as a high school senior, I was reading at an eighth-grade level. I’m proud to have honored my grandfather by making a difference in dentistry and focusing on the total wellness of my patients. I am also proud that I think outside the box, taking risks even when odds are against me. I love pushing myself to new levels.
On what career goal/projects are you most focused right now?
I am most focused on launching my med spa – called The G Spa – and a total wellness center. It is in its early stages, but I can’t wait until my vision for a total wellness center takes off! The city and county need this. I’m very excited about potentially motivating adults and children to go after their dreams, no matter what obstacles are in their way.
How did growing up in Flint shape who you are today?
Growing up in Flint gave me a work ethic second to none. It taught me about perseverance and working hard for what you want. I am humble and never feel entitled. I’ve learned to be gracious when blessings come my way. We are workers in Flint – we are Flint Strong. I have embraced Flint and love what it stands for, even when national media bashes it. I am proud of my hometown!
Did any special people influence you?
I have had many mentors in my life, but the most influential person has always been my wife, Sabrina – she is perfect in my eyes. She has pushed me when I needed pushing and loved me when I needed love. My grandfather and my father-in-law, the late Roger Choate, have probably been the biggest male role models in my life, and taught me about hard work and discipline. My mom taught me a lot of life lessons from her own experiences and Sharon Choate, my mother-in-law, has always treated me like her own son. She showed me unconditional love even at my lowest points. I will be forever grateful to them all.
What do you hope to accomplish as a professional?
I hope that my dental practice and wellness center are able to touch as many lives as possible and make a profound difference in bridging the health gap between medicine and dentistry.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to be a coach, a mentor and role model, and most importantly a husband and a father to three children. I love to teach, sing and dance and have fun.
What do you hope for the future of Flint?
I hope Flint’s future stays bright and that people from all over the world can see the forever change we’ve made and the drive to make a city great again. We can teach people what perseverance really is!
Photography by Kayce McClure
