September 2023 – Arkansas State Dental Association

Obituary: Dr. George C. Martin, Past ASDA President

Billy Tarpley on September 27, 2023

Dr. George Chesley Martin, Sr., of Springdale, AR passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 71 years old. He was born July 13, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas to Robert Chesley and Enbe (Woody) Martin.

George began his dental career in 1976 in McGehee, AR where he owned his own practice. He practiced there for 28 years before moving to Northwest Arkansas. He then became a partner at the Family Dental Center and practiced there for 17 years. George decided to share his skills and passion for dentistry and taught at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis for 4 years. During his career, he received many prestigious awards. He received the Young Dentist Award in 1991 by the Arkansas Dental Association. He served as President on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners from 2013 to 2014. He served as President of the Southern Regional Testing Agency. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2021 from the Arkansas State Dental Association. During his tenure at University of Tennessee College of Dentistry he received multiple awards including the Charles Edrington Faculty Award, the Junior Faculty Award, and the John S. Diggs Nelson Faculty Enrichment Award. George had a passion for helping others that led him to go on 12 different Honduras mission trips performing dental procedures.

Lovingly referred to as “Doc” by those who knew him best, George enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, pheasant hunting, and watching the Razorbacks. He loved to travel with family and friends. He also loved being outdoors. George was an avid camper, hiker and loved to fish. Also known as “Poppy” to his grandkids, he loved being at all their events, coaching them, and beating them in a foot race any chance he got.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Enbe Martin. George is survived by his wife of 41 years Julie (Jordan) Martin; sister Rebecca (Martin) Sherwood and husband Ron; his son George Chesley Martin, Jr. and his wife Ashley; his daughter Jordan (Martin) Prater and her husband Seth; son Kyle Martin; four grandchildren, Easton and Jase Martin and Charlotte and Georgie Prater; as well as many other friends, family and loved ones.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Johnson Church of Christ in Johnson, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Stuckey Cemetery in Johnson. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson Church of Christ at https://johnsoncoc.breezechms.com/give/online. To sign the online guestbook, at www.bernafuneralhomes.com.

Obituary: Dr. Tommy Raines of Camden

Billy Tarpley on September 25, 2023

Dr. Tommy Raines of Camden went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. His humor was contagious and his loud laugh lit up every room. His hospitality and servants heart left an impact on more people than could ever be counted. His pride as a parent and especially as a grandparent was unmatched. He absolutely adored his wife and truly believed that she hung the moon. Tommy was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his church, and community. He was a member of the Camden Rotary Club, a Deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church, and the Pastor’s Accountability Team of Oasis Church.

Tommy is survived by his wife Laura, Daughter Catherine and Son-in-law John and Granddaughter Aspen, Son Stephen and Daughter-in-law Lauren and Granddaughter Nora Grace and Grandson Micah, Mother Ann, Brother Mike and Sister-in-law Lori and Niece Haley, Sister Kim and Nephew Sam. We have faith and firm belief that his beloved Father James Ray was waiting for him when he entered into heaven to be with his savior.

Dr. Raines’ funeral was held on Saturday, September 23 by Proctor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Oasis Church of Camden, Arkansas.

ADA Advises Against Ordering from Overstocker Liquidation Company

Billy Tarpley on September 19, 2023

Information to ADA Members from Leslee Williams, ADA Vice President, Public and Professional Communications

As you may already know, there are an increasing number of complaints from members about Overstocker, a liquidation company that has advertised in ADA Vendor Showcase. Members indicate the company is not fulfilling orders, making unauthorized credit card transactions and providing limited or no customer assistance. Note that Overstocker is not to be confused with another company called Overstock.

The complaints are highly negative not just to the company but to the ADA because members either believe the ADA endorses the company or has not conducted enough due diligence before accepting the company as an advertiser. These assumptions are not true. Advertisements are not ADA endorsements. Due diligence is also completed in a vetting process (including credit and reference checks) to be approved as an advertiser. Once an advertiser, companies must follow stringent advertising standards to ensure integrity of the ad and confirm materials do not conflict with ADA policy, standards or the Code of Ethics.

Overstocker completed the necessary steps to become an advertiser and adhered to ad standards for a time. Now, despite repeated attempts, Overstocker is not responding to the ADA. Therefore, ADA will no longer allow Overstocker to advertise on any of its channels.

Working together with ADA Business Group staff, we have developed a communications plan and are advising members not to order from Overstocker, to contact their credit card companies to dispute charges from the company for unfulfilled orders and we will provide information should members wish to report the company to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and the Better Business Bureau.

We are communicating this information via an ADA News story, Morning Huddle summary and in outreach to state and local dental societies and councils and committees and council/committee staff respectively. In addition the MSC will be provided with talking points to aid in further inquiries. Lastly, because we know this issue has been raised in some dentist-only social media groups, we will share the ADA News link with closed group administrators to share with their communities.