The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry (UMSOD) takes its responsibility for student education seriously. The school has a thriving, nationally-recognized research program, but its larger commitment is to its students. To that end, all students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in dental practice. Not only is there a Student Clinic where third and fourth-year students treat patients but there are Residency Clinics where dental residents pursuing specialty areas offer services to the general public for a quarter of what a traditional specialist might offer.
It probably won't come as a surprise to you, then, to learn that the School of Dentistry holds all its students to the highest standards, not just academically but personally and professionally as well.
High standards are important. None of us wants to go in for a filling, wondering if our dentist is competent. There is a fine line, though, between high standards and unreasonable standards. You're still a student, even if you're in your fourth year. Most instructors, supervisors, and administrators understand that. They know you're going to make mistakes from time to time. If you should come across someone who you feel is treating you unfairly, though, you have the right to protest that treatment.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Student Success Team can help. They know how the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry operates. They know who to talk to when problems come up and what to say. Most importantly, they're on your side. They believe in your future, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to help you get there.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dental school dismissals usually happen for one of two reasons: either you're struggling academically, or you've committed some form of professional misconduct.
- Academic Deficiencies: The University of Mississippi SOD expects the best from its students academically. In keeping with that expectation, students are subject to an Academic Standing Policy. The Student Handbook notes "Good" standing requires you to meet three criteria:
- Course grades above 70 percent in all classes
- Satisfactory completion of all course syllabi requirements
- Fulfillment of all Student Handbook for Clinical Evaluation requirements.
The Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC) meets at the end of each semester to consider student progress. The committee, which is made up of seven full-time faculty members, and chaired by the Assistant Dean for Education, determines your academic status. In addition, it has the authority to decide whether you must retake an exam, remediate a low grade, or retake a course. Ultimately, it also has the power to recommend sanctions such as probation and dismissal.
- Professional Misconduct: One academic mistake probably won't cost you your spot in the SOD program. One instance of professional misconduct could, though. As a health professional, your ethics and sense of responsibility are expected to be above reproach. That means practicing
"honesty, fairness, and integrity in all circumstances, respect for the rights, differences, and property of others, concern for the welfare of patients, always doing one's best in the delivery of care, and preservation of confidentiality in all situations where this is warranted" (from the Student Handbook).
Note, too, that these expectations apply to your behavior off-campus as well as your behavior on campus. A criminal conviction, even for something as relatively minor as a DUI, can be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Decisions as to misconduct sanctions are in the hands of the school's Student Ethics and Civility Council, which is made up of twelve members selected by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusion.
The Adjudication Process at UMSOD
No person or committee has the power to simply expel you from the School of Dentistry. You always have the right to defend yourself. How you do that will depend on your specific situation.
- Professional Misconduct Dismissals: You have the right to challenge any decision made by the Student Ethics and Civility Council. You are allowed to appear on your own behalf, ask questions, examine evidence, and make formal statements. However, you may not question witnesses. Importantly, you are allowed to select an advisor to accompany you to this hearing, and that advisor may be an attorney. Further, you have the right to appeal the hearing outcome.
- Academic Dismissals: Academic dismissals are usually a matter of fact. Decisions have to do with exam scores and course grades. That means such dismissals aren't open to direct challenge. However, you have the right to file grade appeals and grievances any time you feel you are being treated unfairly in the classroom or in regard to your clinic responsibilities.
As a student at the University of Mississippi, you are also subject to general rules and policies of the university (see the M Book), as well as federal Title IX guidelines regarding sexual misconduct. Under these policies, the university has the power to dismiss you above and beyond any authority the School of Dentistry has.
In general, you have the right to an investigation and hearing in such cases. That includes the right to present evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine adverse witnesses, and appeal any adverse outcome. In addition, as in SOD cases, you have the right to an advisor, and this advisor may be an attorney.
Whether your case involves the University of Mississippi, the UMSOD, or both, Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help you navigate the judicial system. They are well-versed in all policies and procedures and highly experienced at representing student clients.
Fighting for Your Future
Make no mistake: if you're facing dismissal, everything is on the line. You've worked for many years to get to this point. You earned an undergraduate degree; you spent hours studying for the Dental Admissions Test; you filled out applications, convinced referees to write on your behalf, and sat through difficult interviews. You've also put in the work since you were admitted to dental school: long hours of studying and even longer hours of clinical work. Expulsion means all of that work comes to nothing. It means trying to find an entirely new career. It means having to pay back any student loans you've accumulated without a dental degree to help you do it.
You don't want to go into this situation alone. Not only is everything at stake, but if your school is considering dismissal, it's already actively working against you. You need someone who's on your side, who has your best interests at heart, and who is willing to fight for those interests. You want Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. Joseph D. Lento and his team know the law as it applies to education. They also know how campus judicial systems work. They're highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and have helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing disciplinary action, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out exactly what Joseph D. Lento and his team can do for you. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
