Located in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is committed to providing high-quality clinical care, offering students a dynamic and comprehensive dental education, and serving individuals in need of oral health care. The school follows the Jesuit tradition and integrates research, scholarship, evidence-based education, and service opportunities to develop competent, ethical dentists and other oral healthcare professionals who are sensitive to the needs of their patients and communities. For these reasons, this school has high expectations for students when it comes to behaving professionally and maintaining academic expectations. For violating certain guidelines or failing to meet benchmarks, students can possibly face dismissal.
As an aspiring dentist or oral health care professional, you are keenly aware of the hefty responsibility of safeguarding your patients' health and helping them achieve optimal wellness. Because of the great amount of trust patients place in their healthcare providers, most dental schools, including Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, will dismiss students who fail to progress academically, violate guidelines pertaining to personal and professional conduct, and cannot adhere to the school's ethical expectations. Getting kicked out of dental school can have a serious impact on your future, as you will have a tough time being accepted to another school and fulfilling your dream of becoming a dentist. If you are facing academic or misconduct issues at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, now is the time to consult with a knowledgeable advisor who can help you salvage your future.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Facing dismissal from dental school is a serious concern, and if you find yourself on the cusp of these consequences, then it is time to fight back. At the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, possible reasons for expulsion from the institution include unsatisfactory academic performance, behavior that does not meet the professional or ethical standards or expectations of the dental profession, and misconduct on campus or at school-related events. In many cases, you won't be dismissed the first time you break a rule, but minor infractions can eventually lead to more severe consequences.
It is essential to remember that certain offenses are, in a sense, unforgivable and will result in your immediate dismissal, even if you've always been a rule-abiding student in the past. Some examples of these issues include earning failing grades, using hate speech, harassing a fellow student or a member of the school's faculty or staff, committing academic dishonesty or fraud such as plagiarism, using drugs or alcohol in an educational or clinical setting, and failing to keep patient information confidential. If you are facing possible dismissal from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, get in touch with a skilled and compassionate advisor who can help you through this overwhelming process.
Adjudication Process at DCG
Everything students need to know about the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry's academic policies can be found on the school's website, including which infractions could lead to dismissal and what the adjudication process will look like. The school's Standing Academic Performance Committee reviews the academic performance of all pre-doctoral dental and dental hygiene students. The committee then makes recommendations to the associate dean for academic administration and/or the dean regarding students who are experiencing academic difficulty, failing to progress through the program, or may lack fitness for the dental profession. After conducting a review, the committee will recommend the next steps for struggling students, which may include probation, repetition of a course, modification or extension of a program, or dismissal.
A student may be at risk of dismissal if their GPA sinks below 2.0 for any single semester or if they fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. If the Academic Performance Committee is considering that a student be dismissed, the chairperson will notify the student by email that a special meeting will be held and let them know the day, time, and place it will occur. Students are allowed to bring a faculty advisor, an advisor within the School of Dentistry, or another faculty member to the meeting, though there are no stated restrictions on consulting with legal advisors before or after to craft your defense and assist with arduous tasks like gathering evidence and filing paperwork in a timely fashion. In most cases, a quorum will approve decisions by a simple majority, and in the case of a tie, the chairperson will have the deciding vote.
After the meeting, the committee will submit a recommendation to the dean, who will send the final decision to the student within five days after the committee submits its recommendation. The dean may agree with the decision of the committee or make an alternative decision, including reversal or modification of the recommendation. To ensure your interests are adequately represented during this process, you need an advisor on your side who knows the ins and outs of the educational and legal systems.
Appeals Process at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Once the dean has submitted their recommendation, the student may appeal this decision by submitting a letter containing supportive documentation to the dean no later than five academic days after the dean mails the decision. The request must clearly state the basis for the appeal and must include substantial evidence that was not previously considered, evidence of bias by a committee member, significant errors in the original proceedings, or significant findings of inequity. The Appeals Committee will then deliberate the dean's decision and decide to uphold, reverse, or modify it based on new and existing evidence. Once the Appeals Committee reaches a decision, it shall be implemented immediately.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
You've put a lot on the line to achieve your dream of becoming a dentist, including time, money, and effort. Don't throw away all of your hard work just because you made a mistake. If you're facing possible dismissal from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, an experienced advisor can give you the best shot at achieving an optimal outcome in your case. 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.
