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charges of up to 26.99% that went into effect if their full balance was not paid at the end of a promotional period. The American Dental Association and Georgia Dental Association endorse CareCredit for GDA members. The GDA encourages members who utilize CareCredit to adhere to the company’s guidelines for offering the CareCredit service to patients and ensure dental staff members are thoroughly trained on how to talk about what CareCredit can offer. The CFPB found some consumers were not being given adequate explanation of the terms of the CareCredit card because they were offered by poorly trained staff in medical and dental offices rather than official representatives of CareCredit. The CFPB also said some consumers did not receive copies of the actual CareCredit agreements and instead had to rely solely on oral explanations given by the service provider or office staff. In addition to issuing refunds, CareCredit will also now have to contact most consumers within 72 hours of an initial transaction to explain the product to them over the phone. For certain transactions of more than $1,000, consumers will enroll directly through a CareCredit representative. GE Capital Retail Bank stated, “CareCredit is a responsible lender with consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and repeat usage. We have been cooperating with the CFPB and committed to providing enhanced education for health care providers and consumers.”
DENTISTS In Memoriam The GDA extends sympathy to the family and colleagues of the following individual. Edwin I. Swords Jr., DDS, of Atlanta who died December 10, 2013, at the age of 92. He was a 1950 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate and a general practitioner in Canton until retiring in his mid-80s. He completed the 6.2 mile Peachtree Road Race at age 91 along with six of his grandchildren. He was an American Dental Association Life Member and WWII Army veteran who served in the Phillipines. His son is GDA member Dr. Edwin Swords III.
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Upcoming GDA / Dental Events Please visit the GDA Calendar at www.gadental.org for more detailed information on the events listed.
MARCH 2014
MAY 2014
Mon, Mar 3: Northern District Executive Council Meeting, GDA Office.
Wed, May 5: Northern District CE Program, Villa Christina.
Wed, Mar 5: LAW Day, Central District. Wed, Mar 12: LAW Day, Southeastern District / Northern District Hall Co Branch. Thu, Mar 13: CORPS Program Visit to Central Ga Technical College Dental Hygiene Students. Tues, Mar 18: CORPS Program Visit to Columbus Technical College Dental Hygiene Students. Wed, Mar 19: LAW Day, Northern District Central and Southern Branches.* Wed, Mar 26: LAW Day, Southwestern District / Alliance Dental Spouses.*
Mon-Wed, May 19-21: ADA Washington Leadership Conference, DC. Mon, May 26: GDA Office Closed for Memorial Day Holiday.
JUNE 2014 Fri, June 6: GDA Finance Committee Meeting, GDA Office Sat, June 28: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office. Sat, June 28: Fisher Foundation for Dental Education Board Meeting, GDA Office.
* May be cancelled. Contact GDA office for details.
Thur-Sat, Mar 27-29: Hinman Dental Society Meeting.
APRIL 2014 Fri, Apr 4: GDA Officers Meeting with Specialty Groups, GDA Office. Sat, Apr 5: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office. Wed, Apr 9: Northern District CE Program, Villa Christina. Wed, Apr 9: CORPS Program Visit to Georgia Highlands College Dental Hygiene Students. Tue, Apr 15: CORPS Program Visit to Central GA Technical College Dental Hygiene Students. Mon, Apr 21: Northern District Executive Council Meeting, GDA Office. Fri-Sat, Apr 25-26: GDA Dental Assistant Expanded Duties Courses, Columbus. Mon, Apr 28: CORPS Program Visit to Georgia Regents Univ Dental Hygiene Students. Tues, Apr 29: CORPS Program Visit to Clayton State College & Univ Dental Hygiene Students. GDA ACTION FEBRUARY 2014
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