Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NSU Dentistry) is a private university established in 1997 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is the first private dental college in Florida, offering the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) and multiple postdoctoral programs. The program provides students with a wide range of current and future benefits, such as access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and hands-on clinical experience. Being a student at NSU is an excellent opportunity to kickstart a successful career in dentistry. After graduation, you can look forward to numerous career opportunities as a successful dentist in Florida and nationwide.
However, to continue benefiting from this program, it is important to adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook. NSU Dentistry expects students to demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain enrolled. Failure to do so can lead to multiple issues, including disciplinary action and even dismissal from the program. Dismissal leads to negative repercussions that affect you in the long and short term. If you face dismissal from NSU Dentistry, time is of the essence. Working with Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team decreases the likelihood of facing damaging sanctions.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Several issues can lead to dismissal from the dental program at NSU. These include academic deficiencies, failure to meet clinical competency standards, and professionalism or ethical conduct issues. Dismissal from a dental program can significantly affect your present trajectory and future career. It can disrupt your educational path and career goals and hinder your ability to gain admission into another program and, ultimately, practice as a licensed dentist. The financial implications can be substantial, as tuition and other costs may be non-refundable or result in additional student loan debt. Furthermore, dismissal can have lasting effects on your professional reputation. It may raise questions about your suitability for the dental profession among potential employers and peers.
Adjudication Process at NSU College of Dentistry
The most recent Student Handbook published by NSU Dentistry goes into extensive detail regarding common offenses and the adjudication process for each one. Per the document, any person may submit a complaint to the Dean for Student Development or their designee. Once received, they investigate the circumstances to determine whether the student is at fault. If there is reason to suspect that the student is at fault, the Dean outlines the charges and delivers them to the student in writing. If a determination results in the finding that the student is not at fault, the Dean closes the case, and the student does not receive a charge.
If the violation may lead to dismissal, the Dean sets up a pre-meeting to discuss the adjudication process. Then, the matter escalates to an administrative judicial proceeding. During these proceedings, the administration determines whether the student is responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility, and the panel recommends a sanction. There are multiple types of sanctions at NSU Dentistry, the most severe being: Final Disciplinary Probation, Expulsion, Suspension, and Temporary Suspension. These sanctions harm your future, with suspension and expulsion being the most severe. These punishments not only affect your trajectory, but they also come with a notation on your permanent record. Once seen by a future employer or admissions officer, they pose a real threat as barriers to becoming a future dentist.
Appeals Process at NSU College of Dentistry
Fortunately, students can contest a sanctions decision at NSU Dentistry by appealing to the Vice President of Student Affairs. To pursue this option, you must present one of the following to receive consideration:
- Previously inaccessible information that was not available during the initial hearing
- Substantiated evidence that the university's procedures were not correctly adhered to
- A well-founded argument demonstrating that the imposed sanction is disproportionately harsh compared to the infraction.
Regardless of the grounds you choose to appeal, do not take on the matter alone. With Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, you have a better chance of writing a successful appeal that receives consideration.
Hiring an Attorney
No student enters dental school intending to commit a violation. If a mistake happens, whether it is your first offense or repeated, you still deserve fair treatment and an impartial hearing. Mistakes are common when you are still learning, and your supervisors understand they are a part of the learning process. However, more severe mistakes can lead to unfavorable outcomes, especially if you do not have the proper defense strategy and team to help you when something goes awry.
If you face dismissal or expulsion from NSU Dental, avoid tackling the pre-meeting or hearing yourself. Any wrong action could exacerbate the issue, leading to more severe consequences. The hearing and any subsequent appeal are vital to your future success. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are by your side when facing dismissal from NSU Dentistry. With their extensive knowledge and years of experience assisting dental students across the country, they possess the skills to navigate the intricate disciplinary process and help you make the best of the situation.
Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team collaborate extensively with you to develop a robust defense strategy for your case, no matter the circumstances. By representing you, they tirelessly work behind the scenes to gather evidence and craft arguments that bolster your case. Their thorough and strategic approach decreases the chances of expulsion, an outcome that could have lasting implications on your future and your reputation.
If you or a loved one faces dismissal from NSU Dentistry due to a lack of academic progress, behavioral issues, or ethical breaches, do not wait. Contact the Lento Law Firm Team today online or call them at 888-535-3686 for an in-depth and transparent consultation about your case.
