The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine (WLHSDM) is located in the second-largest binational metropolitan area along the U.S.-Mexico border. WLHSDM delivers oral health care in West Texas and along the southern border region, allowing students to provide oral health care to diverse populations, conduct investigations in biomedical research, and engage directly with the community. Founded in 2021, this relatively new school prides itself on its values and ethics-based culture and utilization of the latest technology in the classroom. The school is the first of its kind in a border city and strives to provide a high-quality dental education to students. For these reasons, the school has high expectations when it comes to student professionalism, academics, and behavior. Violations of ethical or academic guidelines can lead to serious consequences, including dismissal from the school.
Because dentists are medical professionals with a high degree of responsibility for their patients' oral and overall health, dental schools like WLHSDM will dismiss students for failing to progress academically, violating school standards for personal or professional conduct, or not meeting ethical guidelines. Being expelled from dental school can have a serious impact on your goal to become a dentist, as being kicked out of one school can make it difficult or impossible to apply and be accepted to another. One thing is certain: If you're facing dismissal from WLHSDM, you should not try to take on the challenge of defending yourself alone. An experienced attorney-advisor can help you achieve a more favorable outcome that could rescue your reputation – and your future.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
In higher education, being dismissed or expelled from your school is a severe consequence that requires immediate action. At WLHSDM, possible causes for expulsion include academic misconduct, lack of professionalism, unsatisfactory academic progress (or failing to pass a class within a certain timeframe), and inability to abide by the ethical demands of the dental profession. Some violations do not immediately result in dismissal, and there are many lesser consequences that may be meted out for minor infractions – but it is important to keep in mind that repeat offenders are more likely to find themselves getting kicked out of school.
It is also vital to mention that certain offenses have a one-strike policy and can result in expulsion, even if you've always been a conscientious student and professional before. Some reasons this may happen include but are not limited to earning failing grades, discrimination or hate speech, behavioral misconduct such as harassment, ethical violations such as plagiarism or using drugs or alcohol while caring for patients, or sharing private information about patients or course exams. If you are facing possible dismissal from WLHSDM, contact an attorney-advisor for assistance today.
Adjudication Process at WLHSDM
The WLHSDM Student Handbook contains detailed information about the school's values and expectations regarding professionalism and academics, as well as possible violations and misconduct. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center handbook explains the adjudication process and possible sanctions the school will pursue when problems arise. Any faculty, staff, or student of the school may file a complaint against a student for professional or academic conduct violations. At this point, the student will be notified of the complaint, and if it is determined to have merit, the parties may have the opportunity to meet and resolve the issue.
If the student does not admit to any type of misconduct or does not accept the proposed sanctions, a hearing before the Student Conduct Board may occur. This hearing must be scheduled within 20 days of the student's meeting with the Student Conduct Administrator. A closed hearing will take place with all necessary parties present. If the impartiality of any member of the Student Conduct Board is in doubt, a respondent or complainant may submit a challenge in writing to the Student Conduct Administrator up to three days after receiving the hearing notice. During the hearing, the Student Conduct Board will question witnesses for both sides and examine all submitted evidence.
Within five days, the Assistant Vice President for SSSE will review the findings and recommendations of the record from the Student Conduct Hearing and transmit the final outcome in writing. Because the process for gathering and submitting evidence can be complicated and follows a very specific timeline, having an attorney-advisor on your side can help you build the most effective defense and ensure all documents are submitted correctly and on time.
Appeals Process at WLHSDM
After receiving sanctions, including dismissal, students are allowed to submit an appeal. This must happen within five days of receiving the final decision from the Student Conduct Board. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will only consider an appeal if a procedural error affected the outcome of the case or if new information has become available after the conclusion of the hearing that would significantly alter the findings of the Student Conduct Board. In these cases, the VPAA will review the results of the original hearing alongside any new evidence and submit a final verdict. The VPAA will notify all parties of their decision within 10 business days.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
You've worked hard and invested a significant amount of time, money, and energy into your dream of becoming a dentist. If you're facing possible dismissal from WLHSDM, you likely feel overwhelmed and like you're out of options – but you've worked too hard to give up without a fight. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students across the country navigate challenging misconduct cases and achieve a more favorable outcome. Don't let all your hard work and dedication go to waste – instead, let the Lento Law Firm help you fight for your future. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case today.
