For more than 50 years, the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine has benefitted the people of Connecticut and surrounding states through programs supporting research, discovery of new knowledge, education, diversity, and delivery of high-quality patient care services. The school prides itself on its rigorous curriculum and clinical experiences that encourage students to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, promote professionalism, behave compassionately, and maximize their potential. To meet these high standards, students are expected to commit to certain academic expectations and professional and ethical guidelines – and failure to do so can result in dismissal from the institution.
All dental students know the tremendous responsibility the profession requires, as patients are entrusting you with their health and well-being. That's why most dental schools, including the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, will dismiss students who earn unsatisfactory grades, do not complete their studies within a specified timeframe, or fail to meet the ethical standards of the profession or the institution. Being expelled from dental school can make it more difficult to achieve your dream of becoming a dentist, as another school is less likely to admit you – and even if you do eventually graduate, certain dental offices will hesitate to hire you with a dismissal on your record. If you are experiencing academic or other misconduct concerns at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, an experienced advisor can help you navigate this process and get your career back on track.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine has several guiding principles in its mission statement, including mutual respect, integrity, commitment, communication, and professionalism, which are explained in detail in the school's code of professionalism and ethical conduct. Students are also expected to maintain a track record of academic excellence in the school's system, which grades on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis in which no class rank or honor system is used. Failure to comply with the school's tenets for ethical or professional behavior – everything from personal appearance to showing respect for patients and colleagues – can lead to consequences that may include dismissal. You might not be immediately dismissed for every offense, but over time seemingly minor issues can add up to more serious repercussions.
However, certain rules cannot be broken and will result in dismissal almost every time. These include failing to earn satisfactory grades, sexually or verbally harassing other students or university staff, committing plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty or fraud, and failing to comply with appropriate clinical conduct as specified by the dental profession. If you have made a mistake and are now facing possible dismissal or other harsh consequences from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, now is the time to contact an advisor who understands how this process works and can walk you through the difficult weeks to come step by step.
Adjudication Process at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine's website contains detailed information on expectations for students – as well as what can happen when these guidelines are not met and how the adjudication process will unfold. Whenever a complaint is made against a student, the school's Code of Conduct Committee will convene to determine whether the issue has merit. As part of their investigation, the Code of Conduct Committee may interview witnesses or interested parties, review emails or other documents, and examine materials related to the violation. If the complaint is determined to be valid, a Hearing Committee will be convened.
The hearing will be held within ten days of the determination that the complaint has merit. The student may have a faculty advisor present with them at the trial – and they also may consult with additional advisors before and after the trial as needed. The hearing will consist of the presentation of evidence, interviews with witnesses, and a statement by the accused student. If the student desires, the faculty advisor can speak on their behalf.
Once a decision has been reached, the committee will meet with the accused individual to present the recommendation, which is also forwarded to the dean. Recommendations may include a warning and counseling; probation, counseling, and education; suspension, counseling, and education; and expulsion. Don't let your rights get trampled during this process. Remember that you deserve to share your side of the story and have all evidence fully and fairly considered. Contact an education advisor today to help you fight for your rights.
Appeals Process at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
Once the committee has reached a decision, the student has the right to submit an appeal. The request must state the basis for the appeal and outline whether new evidence has emerged that the committee must consider, whether important evidence was overlooked, or whether there were significant errors or biases in the original proceedings. Once an appeal has been submitted and considered, that decision is final. Because this decision is so important to your future and can determine the course of your dental education and career, it's best not to go it alone. While you're still early in the process of the hearing, contact a compassionate advisor who can skillfully guide you through each step.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Becoming a dentist takes no small commitment of time, money, and determination. If you made a mistake and are now facing possible dismissal from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, you likely feel overwhelmed – but you are not out of options, and a knowledgeable advisor can help you craft a thoughtful and effective defense. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has helped hundreds of students across the country defend themselves in situations similar to yours. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case today.
