Running a dental practice is often romanticized as a blend of clinical excellence and patient smiles — but any seasoned practice owner knows the reality includes a fair share of chaos, confusion, and unexpected challenges. That’s where Glen Jensen’s Profound Mini-Lessons for Dentists comes in — not as a dry textbook, but as a deeply human, story-rich, and laugh-out-loud (and sometimes cry-out-loud) look at what it really takes to run a successful dental practice.

A Book Built on Real Life — Not Theory

Jensen brings over 35 years of experience as a dental practice management consultant and turns it into 74 real-world case studies — each a mini-lesson designed to make you think, smile, and change your approach to practice ownership.

Some stories are hilarious, some heartbreaking, and many hit a little too close to home for dentists who’ve “been there.” But every lesson is grounded in a simple truth: dentists aren’t just clinicians — they’re business owners, and the decisions they make (or avoid) have real consequences.

Themes That Resonate With Every Dentist

Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned DSO partner, there are recurring takeaways that apply to everyone in the business of dentistry:

• Leadership matters more than management.

• Systems protect you from chaos.

• Hiring mistakes can cost you thousands — or more.

• The numbers never lie.

• It’s not just the dentistry — it’s the business of dentistry.

Jensen’s tone is wise, warm, and unfiltered — much like sitting down with a mentor who tells it to you straight because they care enough to not sugarcoat anything.

Stories That Stick With You (and Make You Laugh or Gasp)

Here are a few of the most memorable stories and what they teach:

“She Did WHAT?!!” — The Prescription Scandal

In one unforgettable story, a dentist’s longtime front desk assistant was not only babysitting his kids but also forging his signature — selling prescriptions to an undercover agent.

The result? DEA involvement, $75,000 in fines, the temporary loss of prescription-writing privileges, and an emotional gut punch for a trusting dentist who had no idea what was happening behind the scenes.

Lesson: Never give full control of your practice’s finances, systems, or prescriptions to any one team member — no matter how trusted. And always know your own passwords.

“Dunk the Dentist!” — How to Bond With Your Community

This lighthearted entry describes a dental office that hosted a patient appreciation day complete with carnival games, giveaways, and a dunk tank — featuring the dentist himself as the target.

It wasn’t just fun — it was wildly effective. The event generated over 80 new patients, reactivated dozens more, and built goodwill in the community that lasted for years.

Lesson: Fun isn’t fluff. Creating joyful, unexpected patient experiences builds loyalty and referrals better than any mailer or billboard.

“I Was Making Plans to End My Life” — The Power of Support

One of the most sobering stories involves a dentist who felt so overwhelmed by financial failure, team dysfunction, and personal isolation that he began contemplating suicide.

After finally seeking help and implementing Glen’s business systems and mindset shifts, the doctor rebuilt his practice, improved his relationships, and found purpose again.

Lesson: Mental health is just as critical as profitability. Burnout and isolation can be fatal — but there is always a path forward when you seek help and take action.

“She Takes More Home Than the Dentist” — Compensation Chaos

This jaw-dropping tale focuses on a front desk team member who, due to improper bonus structures and unchecked payroll systems, was making more take-home pay than both the hygienist and the dentist.

Once discovered, it led to a complete overhaul of compensation plans, proper performance metrics, and accountability checks — and, eventually, a stronger and fairer team culture.

Lesson: Compensation systems must be tied to production, collections, and performance — not loyalty or longevity. And the dentist should always understand their payroll numbers.

“Mondays Are Always Slow” — The Case of the Weekend Warrior

One hilarious (and painfully relatable) story involves a front desk employee who claimed Mondays were always slow — a belief echoed by the dentist. But after some observation, it turns out she worked full-time weekends at a retail job and used Monday mornings to “recover.”

She booked lightly (or not at all) on Mondays — until she was replaced. After the switch, Mondays became the busiest day of the week, and profitability skyrocketed.

Lesson: Your front desk isn’t just managing the schedule — they’re shaping your entire practice’s momentum. Train, supervise, and track results closely.

Simple Stories with Big Impacts

What makes this book so valuable is not just the entertainment — it’s the clarity of the takeaways. After each story, Jensen offers reflections and action steps. He doesn’t just tell you what went wrong; he tells you how to fix it in your own practice.

Topics covered include:

• Scheduling systems that actually work

• Embezzlement red flags

• Building a growth-minded team

• How to read your financials like a business owner

• When and how to bring in associates

• How to avoid stagnation at every stage of practice growth

Bonus: 10 Case Histories of Wildly Successful Dentists

The book closes with ten real-life case studies of dentists who overcame enormous odds — bankruptcy, divorce, dead practices — and turned them into million-dollar success stories.

From a $365,000-a-year solo practice that scaled to multiple locations, to a struggling associate who built a DSO with 100+ practices, these stories are equal parts motivational and tactical.

You see what worked, what didn’t, and how mindset + mentorship + business systems = success.

Why Every Dentist Should Read This Book

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to exit your practice, Profound Mini-Lessons for Dentists gives you the kind of wisdom you can’t get in dental school — and often only get after expensive, painful mistakes.

The stories are quick reads — perfect for short bursts of learning — but the impact is long-lasting. You’ll come away with new ideas, a few good laughs, and perhaps even a renewed sense of purpose in how you run your practice.

Where to Get It

We highly recommend purchasing this book on Amazon — it’s a must-have for your dental library.

Buy Profound Mini-Lessons for Dentists on Amazon
(search the full title to locate the listing)

You’ll want to keep it close by, re-read your favorite stories, and maybe even pass it on to a colleague who needs a boost.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com