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Table of Contents
What Is the RPM Method™ in Dentistry?
The RPM Method™ is a proprietary profitability framework created by Shishir Khadka, founder of DentPulse, to classify and improve dental practice profit performance.
It stands for:
- Recover (R) – fix urgent profit leaks
- Protect (P) – stabilise and safeguard profitability
- Maximise (M) – scale and optimise profit for growth or exit
The RPM Method™ powers DentPulse’s Profit Triangle™ (Associates, Chairs, Treatments) and connects directly to owner outcomes via the Profit-to-Pocket™ Model.
Why Does the RPM Method™ Matter for Dental Practice Owners?
Most dentists don’t know if their practice is in crisis, stable, or high-performing. The RPM Method™ provides a clear roadmap to move from financial uncertainty to scalable profit:
- Recover Zone (🔴) → identify leaks, cut waste, and restore stability
- Protect Zone (🟡) → strengthen margins and prevent regression
- Maximise Zone (🟢) → optimise efficiency, reinvest strategically, and grow value
Example:
- Practice Net Profit Margin: 6% → Recover Zone
- After reducing lab creep and overheads: 9% → Protect Zone
- With associate performance tracking: 12% → Maximise Zone
How Does the RPM Method™ Work?
| Stage | Definition | Focus |
| Recover (🔴) | Net profit < 7.5% | Plug leaks, cut waste, fix cash flow |
| Protect (🟡) | Net profit 7.5–10% | Safeguard margins, build consistency |
| Maximise (🟢) | Net profit > 10% | Optimise operations, scale growth, improve exit value |
How Does DentPulse Apply the RPM Method™?
| Feature | Function |
| PulseBenchmark™ | Classifies practice into Recover, Protect, or Maximise |
| ProfitLeaks Radar™ | Guides Recover Zone quick wins |
| APEX™ + PCPT™ | Links associate + chair profit to zone progress |
| Profit-to-Pocket™ Overlay | Translates zone performance into safe take-home |
| Scenario Planning | Models how to move between zones |
DentPulse makes the RPM Method™ a real-time diagnostic tool, not just a theory.
DentPulse Tip™
“Every dental practice is in one of three zones.
The RPM Method™ shows you where you are — and how to get where you want to be.”
Related Glossary Terms
- Profit Triangle™ – associates, chairs, and treatments as profit levers
- Profit Triangle Zones – Recover, Protect, Maximise classifications
- Profit-to-Pocket™ – links profit zones to safe owner take-home
- PulseBenchmark™ – real-time zone classification engine
- ProfitLeaks Radar™ – cost-control system for Recover Zone
Glossary Summary Table
| Term | Meaning |
| RPM Method™ | Proprietary framework: Recover, Protect, Maximise profit |
| Purpose | Diagnostic roadmap for profit improvement in dental practices |
| Created by | Shishir Khadka, Founder of DentPulse |
| DentPulse Advantage | Automated classification + zone movement strategies |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shishir Khadka