The Four Core Principles of Profit First for Dentists
Nov 18, 2025
From Nutrition to Numbers: The Inspiration Behind Profit First for Dentists
When I first began applying Profit First principles to dental practices, I realized Mike Michalowicz was right: it’s a lot like nutrition.
As I shared in Profit First for Dentists,
“What you put into your body determines how you feel and function. The same is true for your practice finances. When you consistently feed your business the right ‘diet,’ it becomes healthy and strong.”
This simple analogy became the foundation for the Four Core Principles of Profit First for Dentists — a framework that makes managing money feel natural, not intimidating.
Principle 1: Use Small Plates
Just like eating from smaller plates helps you consume the right portions, using multiple smaller bank accounts helps you spend wisely.
When all your money sits in one big account, you lose visibility and control. But when you divide income into purpose-driven accounts — Profit, Owner’s Pay, Taxes, and Operating Expenses — you create boundaries that protect your profit automatically.
“Small plates are not restrictive,” I noted, “they’re empowering. They help you see what’s enough — and stop before you overconsume.”
For dentists, that means knowing exactly what’s available for bills, payroll, and growth — without draining your practice dry.
Principle 2: Serve Sequentially
Imagine a buffet line — you start with the most important items on your plate first. Profit First for Dentists works the same way.
You allocate money to Profit, Owner’s Pay, and Taxes before covering operating expenses. That sequence ensures you get paid first, not last.
“By serving the most important accounts first,” I explain in the book, “you create built-in accountability. You protect profit before spending — not after.”
This small change is one of the most powerful shifts a dentist can make. It takes you from reactive survival mode to proactive control.
Principle 3: Remove Temptation
We all know that if the cookie jar is sitting on the counter, it’s going to disappear fast! The same is true for your money.
That’s why one of the Profit First for Dentists principles is to remove temptation — to make it harder to “snack” on funds that should be reserved for profit or taxes.
For example, keep your Profit Account at a separate bank, one that’s not easily accessible for daily transactions. That small barrier helps you stay disciplined.
“Removing temptation protects you from yourself,” I penned. “It creates a safety net for your future instead of fueling today’s impulses.”
This simple safeguard ensures your financial health stays on track even when emergencies (or shiny new equipment) try to pull you off course.
Principle 4: Enforce a Rhythm
Healthy habits don’t happen once; they happen regularly.
That’s why I encourage dentists to follow a weekly rhythm of allocating funds. It keeps you connected to your money, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence through repetition.
You’ll begin to anticipate your cash flow, rather than fear it.
“Rhythm is what turns intention into consistency,” “When you engage with your numbers weekly, you stay ahead of surprises and in tune with your business.”
This weekly rhythm also makes it easy to see progress over time — and celebrate it.
The Simplicity of a Sustainable System
What I love most about the Four Core Principles is that they’re behavior-based, not math-based. You don’t need an accounting degree or fancy spreadsheets — just structure, awareness, and commitment.
By applying these principles, you begin to transform your practice into a lean, healthy, predictable business that supports your goals — not one that drains your energy.
In Profit First for Dentists, I say:
“When you change how money flows, you change how you feel about it. Confidence replaces confusion. Structure replaces stress.”
Final Thought
Profit First for Dentists isn’t about cutting costs or restricting growth — it’s about building a system that mirrors how humans naturally think and behave with money.
By using smaller “plates,” serving in sequence, removing temptation, and enforcing rhythm, you’ll experience a new kind of financial clarity — one that brings both profit and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to build these habits in your practice, you’ll find the complete roadmap in Profit First for Dentists — or connect with me at ProfitFirstDentist.com to see how we can simplify your financial world together.
