# 2503: Why Merchant Fees Are Draining Dental Practices

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dentalpreneur-podcast-w-dr-mark-costes-467923/2503-why-merchant-fees-are-draining-dental-practices.md
Podcast: [The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-dentalpreneur-podcast-w-dr-mark-costes-467923)
Published: 2026-05-06T16:59:00+00:00
Episode link: https://markcostes.libsyn.com/2503-why-merchant-fees-are-draining-dental-practices
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/markcostes/2503.mp3?dest-id=265820
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Duration seconds: 2890

## Resource

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Chris Sands, co-founder of Crown Card Services and Pro-Fi 20/20, to unpack the often-overlooked world of credit card processing fees in dentistry. Chris explains how merchant fees quietly chip away at profitability, EBITDA, and even practice valuation, while sharing why more dental offices are exploring compliant surcharge programs to recover 70–90% of card fees. They also dive into the difference between rates and fees, the importance of PCI compliance, state-by-state surcharge restrictions, and how PPO contracts may create additional challenges for practices trying to pass fees along to patients. Chris also breaks down why software integration can come with a massive hidden cost, how bridge solutions may help practices avoid inflated processing rates, and why startups and first-time buyers may have an advantage by implementing these systems from day one. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://crowncardservices.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

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## Transcript

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