Marquette University School of Dentistry is a private institution in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that pioneered a patient-centered clinical curriculum to provide quality comprehensive dental care without fragmentation into separate specialties or disciplines. Each year, Marquette University School of Dentistry enrolls just 100 freshmen—50 Wisconsin residents and 50 non-residents—ensuring students receive the attention they require to succeed in the intense, high-caliber program.
An immaculate academic and ethical record can open many career doors for dentistry school graduates. To maintain its prestige and standard of patient care, Marquette University School of Dentistry holds its students accountable for actions in the classroom, in general practice, and in their personal lives. When the stakes are high, even the slightest misstep can snowball into a mountain of negative consequences, whether they manifest in academic failures or ethical violations. Even hard-working students of good character can land themselves in front of a disciplinary board.
If you or a loved one is a student facing disciplinary action at Marquette University School of Dentistry, you have the opportunity to retain professional assistance. You can improve your chances of a favorable outcome by hiring an advisor with specific experience in student rights and discipline issues.
Marquette University School of Dentistry Academic, Behavioral, and Clinical Standards
Marquette University School of Dentistry students must abide by the highest academic and behavioral integrity standards. They are responsible for complying with the regulations and procedures described in the Handbook on Academic Policies and Procedures, Clinic Operations Manual, and Comprehensive Patient Care Group Manual, as well as those outlined in the Marquette University Student Handbook.
Just like medical students, those enrolled in dentistry school have responsibilities inside and outside the classroom. Students may be subject to disciplinary action under the following circumstances:
Academic Misconduct
- Academic fraud
- Cheating
- Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
- Plagiarism
- Research misconduct
- Unauthorized collaboration
Behavioral Misconduct
- Criminal mischief
- Cyberstalking or online harassment
- Drug use
- Physical assault or threats of violence
- Theft
- Unethical use of social media
Clinical Misconduct
- Disclosing patient information outside HIPAA guidelines
- Inappropriate actions or speech toward patients, visitors, or other medical care providers
- Failing to manage on-the-job stress
How Marquette University School of Dentistry Handles Misconduct
The Office of Student Development handles violations of regulations found in the Marquette University Student Handbook. All other infractions are managed by the Marquette University School of Dentistry administration. If there is a conflict between the two applicable regulations, the School of Dentistry procedures will have authority over the situation. Students may view the Handbook on Academic Policies and Procedures on the School of Dentistry Intranet website.
Dental students found responsible for violations of school governance will be subject to sanctions including but not limited to:
- Remediation
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Revocation or withholding of degree
Remediation at Marquette University School of Dentistry
When students fail to achieve minimum academic standards or have behavioral concerns in their patient care, the school administration may recommend a remediation plan to help them regain ground or may be prescribed for professionalism violations.
If a student is required to undergo remediation, Marquette University School of Dentistry may require:
- Didactic instruction
- Retesting competencies
- Typodontic exercises
- Verbal coaching
Remediation can either save a student's career or become the beginning of a slow downfall that will cost them precious time. Regardless, remediation can be averted through a successful grade or behavioral appeal. Therefore, before establishing a plan with the school's governing bodies, a student should consult with a professional to explore whether other options may be more favorable.
Dismissal From Marquette University School of Dentistry
Dental students who continually fail to meet academic standards or have committed other ethical or professional violations will be dismissed. Separation from school will not only derail a student's career prospects but will cause a long road of difficulties for the student moving forward. Dismissed students may face any or all of the following:
- Challenges continuing their dental education elsewhere. Medical schools accept just a few hundred or fewer students per semester out of thousands of applicants, so a previously dismissed student will not be a high-priority candidate.
- Cessation of academic progress means that even if the student can enroll at another dental school, they must start their schooling and practice from the beginning.
- Dismissed students will receive a permanent notation on their record. Even if the student graduates with honors or at the top of their class, the previous dismissal will likely limit their career placement opportunities.
- Overcoming student debt as a dismissed student will be a dire prospect. With students borrowing up to and well over $100,000, those separated from their studies must start paying back loans without the benefit of a dentist's salary.
Appealing Marquette University School of Dentistry Disciplinary Action
Although the School of Dentistry may vary slightly in its handling of disciplinary appeals, Marquette University permits administrative appeals based on the following:
- Insufficient evidence was used in establishing misconduct responsibility based on the preponderance of evidence standard.
- New evidence emerged not available during the disciplinary hearing
- Procedural errors caused an unfair hearing
In cases where a suspension or expulsion is the outcome, a student may request a panel appeal, which is not subject to the grounds for appeal listed above. Nevertheless, a student will have five business days upon receipt of a notice to suspend or expel to file an appeal and three business days to submit a revised appeal if it is returned due to the request not sufficiently addressing the grounds for appeal.
The appeal administrator or panel may impose one of the following actions:
- Affirm the sanctions
- Overturn the original decision
- Readjudicate the case
Hiring Joseph D. Lento as Your Marquette University School of Dentistry Advisor
No dental student facing misconduct allegations should face the matter without the help of an experienced professional. Sometimes, the pressure from accrediting boards and the public to maintain a pristine reputation can lead disciplinary boards to hand down unfair sanctions, severely damaging a student's future prospects.
Joseph D. Lento has years of experience in student rights and discipline matters. He and his team at the Lento Law Firm have helped dental students nationwide achieve positive outcomes in student disciplinary hearings, appeals, and other conflicts so they can continue their studies. There is no excuse for facing remediation, suspension, or dismissal alone. Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 to get the extra help you need, or visit the online consultation form.
