A recent benchmark study from Dental Card Services analyzed the 500 most recent merchant statements submitted by dental practices, representing approximately $385 million in annualized credit card processing volume. The study found that practices paid an average effective processing rate of 3.37%, with nearly 20% paying 4% or more. The effective rate reflects total processing fees as a percentage of total credit card volume, providing a way for practices to evaluate their overall payment processing costs. 

Dental Card Services, an AGD Exclusive Benefits provider, also estimated that repricing the statements using its interchange cost-plus plans would reduce the average effective rate to 2.22%, representing estimated annual savings of $7,780 per practice. Individual costs and potential savings vary based on each practice’s circumstances.

Read the full benchmark study for additional findings and methodology.