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Aspen Dentist Who Turned Down the Dallas Cowboys Retires After 52 Years

Dr. Robert Jensen personally selects Dr. Andrew Turchin to continue care for his Aspen patients

More than five decades ago, Dr. Robert Jensen faced a choice few people ever get: play professional football for the Dallas Cowboys or finish dental school. He chose dentistry.

Now, after 52 years of caring for patients in Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and Aspen, the former USC football captain, national champion, and two-time Dallas Cowboys draft pick is retiring - and personally handing the care of his Aspen patients to Dr. Andrew Turchin, DMD.

For Dr. Jensen, retirement was not simply about closing a chapter. It was about making sure the patients who trusted him for years would not have to start over. Dr. Jensen has briefed Dr. Turchin on individual treatment plans and arranged for the full transfer of patient records and radiographs. His patients' histories, needs, and ongoing care are already in hand. "I wouldn't hand my patients off to just anyone," Dr. Jensen said. "Dr. Turchin and I share the same philosophy of quality dentistry. In fact, I plan to continue seeing him as my own dentist."

Before beginning his dental career, Dr. Jensen was a standout athlete at the University of Southern California, where he played tight end and served as team captain during the Trojans' 1967-68 seasons. That team went 19-2-1, won a national championship, and played in back-to-back Rose Bowls alongside Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson. Jensen was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but declined in order to complete dental school. The following year, the Cowboys drafted him again and offered to fund his education. He declined a second time, choosing dentistry over professional football.

Dr. Jensen went on to build a 52-year dental career defined by long-term relationships, careful work, and personal attention, including more than 15 years serving patients in Aspen. As he retires, Dr. Jensen says his greatest concern has been continuity for the people he has cared for.

Dr. Turchin has practiced in Aspen for 13 years after 13 years in Manhattan, where he built a foundation in complex cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. He has been voted Best Dentist in Aspen every year since the award's inception and lectures nationally to fellow dentists on comprehensive dental treatment. His practice, The Ageless Smile, offers comprehensive dental care under one roof, including preventive dentistry, fillings and crowns, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, treatment for bite issues and headaches, and help with snoring and sleep apnea. The practice also includes an on-site periodontist who treats gum disease and places implants, allowing most patient needs to be addressed in a single office.

As a welcome, Dr. Turchin is extending his Aspen Locals Plan to Dr. Jensen's patients for the next 30 days. Details are available at aspenlocalsdentist.com.

Patients of Dr. Jensen are encouraged to call 970-925-7730, email patientcare@andrewturchin.com, or visit andrewturchin.com to schedule an appointment.