Dentistry is an honorable profession. To be a dentist is to occupy a position of respect in your community. You won't be surprised to learn, then, that the University of Washington School of Dentistry doesn't just give degrees away. Academic expectations are high, and courses are demanding. The expectations of your personal and professional conduct are even higher. And if you can't meet these expectations, you can quickly find yourself looking for another career.
The threat of dismissal doesn't have to lead to your actual dismissal, though. You have the right to defend yourself and your record. In fact, even if you've made a mistake, you have the right to a fair and just punishment, and in most cases, that shouldn't include dismissal.
If someone at the School of Dentistry has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is here to help. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are dedicated to the proposition that mistakes shouldn't cost you your chance at a degree. They've helped hundreds of students get the fair treatment they deserve. They know the law; they know how the University of Washington system works, and they're ready to put what they know to work for you.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Of course, protecting yourself from dismissal starts with knowing the rules. This can help keep you out of trouble in the first place. It's also essential any time you're defending yourself. You can't hope to prove your innocence unless you understand exactly what you've been charged with doing.
There are basically two reasons the University of Washington's School of Dentistry might try to dismiss you: academic deficiencies and misconduct.
- Academic Deficiencies: “Good” standing at the UW SOD requires you to maintain a GPA of no less than 3.0. Anything below that can result in sanctions. So, too, can failing a course, neglecting to show up for classes, or failing your licensure exam. In most cases, you'll face a sanction like Probation. You may also be asked to complete a remediation program. However, serious and continued academic failings can also lead to dismissal.
- Misconduct: You can get away with an academic mistake or two. Misconduct is another matter. A single lapse in judgment can be enough to get you dismissed. You're being trained as a professional, and as part of that training, you're expected to abide by a strict code of ethics, treat all patients with respect, communicate effectively, and work well with other healthcare professionals. In addition, though, more basic forms of misconduct can get you into serious trouble as well. Violations of the University of Washington Code of Student Conduct, rules of academic integrity, or Title IX sexual misconduct policy are all grounds for dismissal. In addition, you can be dismissed for violating local, state, or federal laws, even if your violations happen away from campus.
The dean of your college has the final say in the implementation of sanctions. However, the dean's actions are typically based on recommendations from a student promotions committee. This committee regularly reviews all student records and responds to any allegations of misconduct. It has the authority to recommend remediation and sanctions up to and including dismissal for both academic deficiencies and misconduct.
The Adjudication Process
The UW School of Dentistry's judicial procedures aren't publicly available. Here's what you can expect, though, if you are facing dismissal.
- Academic Dismissals: Dismissals for academic causes are usually based on objective facts, such as your GPA, your individual course grades, and whether or not you've successfully satisfied the conditions of a remediation plan. As a result, such decisions are not often subject to review. Initial decisions about sanctions are made by the student progress committee, and you have no opportunity to make your case in person. You likely do have the right to appeal the committee's decisions, though, especially if you can demonstrate that those decisions were capricious or based on some bias. You may also have the right to appeal if you believe the sanction is disproportionate to the nature of the offense.
- Misconduct dismissals: Because they are frequently based on accusations rather than given facts, these dismissals are usually subject to an investigation and a hearing. As part of the process, you have some important rights, such as the right to be presumed “Not Responsible” until proven “Responsible,” the right to notice of the charges against you, and the right to submit evidence and call witnesses. You may also have the right to an advisor, someone to help you prepare and present your case, and in many instances, this advisor can be an attorney.
Whether you're allowed legal assistance at your hearing or not, you are always better off if someone from the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is at your side throughout the process. Obviously, an attorney from the Lento Law Firm Team can offer invaluable support during a hearing. From the moment you're accused of an offense, though, or assigned a sanction, a Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team attorney can help you respond to questions, develop your strategy, gather and organize evidence, draft documents, come up with witness questions, and even practice your presentation. If you know you're in trouble, even if no one has formally charged you with making a mistake, it's always in your best interest to contact the Lento Law Firm Team.
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 an attorney from the Lento Law Firm Team.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team was built to help students. The Lento Law Firm Team knows 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 the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can do for you. Contact the firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our automated online form.
