The American Dental Association has terminated its relationship with Overstocker, a medical and dental equipment company, after receiving complaints from member dentists.
Overstocker advertised itself through the ADA's Vendor Showcase, a digital ADA publication that offers promotions and discounts for members, for less than one year. Products were not endorsed by the ADA, according to a Sept. 20 news release.
The ADA said it received several complaints from dentists alleging unfulfilled orders, unauthorized credit card transactions and insufficient customer assistance from the company.
The dental agency advised dentists not to place any other orders with the company and to file disputes with credit card companies if they have not received orders they have already placed or notice unauthorized charges. Dentists can also report their experiences to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.
ADA Executive Director Raymond Cohlmia, DDS, sent an email Sept. 20 to subscribers of the Vendor Showcase stating that the organization has standards companies must meet to advertise with the ADA and conducts credit and reference checks for such companies.
The ADA said it is working to enhance the vetting process for advertisers, including having the ADA Business Group conduct an internal review to strengthen provisions for ADA's advertising relationships.
Becker's has contacted Overstocker for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.