The Stony Brook University of Dental Medicine (SBUDM) is a public school of dentistry established in 1968 in Long Island, New York. The school of dentistry offers multiple programs and is part of the Stony Brook University complex. Students must demonstrate excellent behavior, ethical standards, and educational progression to remain enrolled and in good standing. Upon graduation, students can look forward to long and prosperous careers as a degree from Stony Brook opens multiple doors.
As a dentistry student, you are likely taking on workloads that are new to you. Being a dentistry student is a challenging and exciting part of your life. When things go wrong, however, it can be challenging to bounce back. But mistakes happen, as do lapses in judgment. Administrators and faculty members understand that this is a natural part of being a student. Yet some errors are costlier than others, especially with severe offenses. In such cases, you need the help of an attorney-advisor specializing in student defense.
Academic Integrity at SBUDM
Stony Brook expects all its students to demonstrate the highest principles of academic integrity. The student handbook outlines a list of behavior that goes against these principles, describing each violation. The manual also provides examples of what constitutes breaches of academic integrity, including:
- Cheating: When students engage in this action, they have an unfair advantage over their peers.
- Fabrication: Students who fabricate information or data knowingly present it as factual. The act of fraud is a severe violation that comes with heavy repercussions.
- Plagiarism: Students may not use the ideas, theories, words, or material of authors and creators but pass it off as their effort. Students must also refrain from paraphrasing this work and not give credit to the original author.
- Scientific Misconduct: Since some dental students conduct research, they must always conduct themselves with integrity.
- Appropriate identification: Dental students must always wear proper identification in clinical settings.
As indicated in the above points, a wide range of activities may fall under the umbrella of academic misconduct. Depending on the severity of the breach and the number of times it occurred, SBUDM may impose harsh sanctions. The most challenging are suspension and expulsion, which remain on a student's permanent record. Even if the student finds another dental school, this mark on their record may prevent them from finding suitable employment or educational options.
Academic Issues and Remediation
Ethical behavior isn't the only requirement at dental school – you must also maintain good grades. When you cannot keep up academically with your peers, you may need to take remediation courses to stay ahead. As a future dentist, you're in a position of public trust. People depend on you to help them get better after an oral incident, and you will perform surgical procedures.
Remediation is a burdensome prospect for many students who may not need the extra work but faltered academically due to a rare occurrence. However, it may sometimes be the only option to stay enrolled at dental school. If you believe that negotiation is possible, contact an attorney-advisor. With their help, you can decide on the best approach to tackle the issue.
Repercussions of Suspension and Expulsion
The two most debilitating sanctions a dental student should always avoid are suspension and expulsion – the latter even more dangerous than the first. Suspensions and expulsions both stay on your permanent record. However, dealing with a permanent dismissal is trickier since it prevents you from graduating, and you'll have a notation to worry about for the rest of your career. Some of the issues you may experience after a permanent dismissal include:
- Reputation Damage: A dismissal on your transcript damages your reputation and allows people to judge your character without meeting them. For example, finding a job or another dental school is more challenging when your reputation is not stellar.
- Time and Effort Loss: You spend years of your life studying to become a dentist – it is not easy to graduate. You will start over since every dental school has a different program. This return to square one is because you cannot pick up where you left off when you receive a permanent dismissal.
- Financial Difficulties: Attending dental school is not cheap. When you receive a permanent dismissal, you'll deal with unexpected expenses that cost you thousands of dollars. You'll also lose scholarships, financial aid, and student housing.
- Inability to Find Another Dental School: When admissions officers examine applications, they only choose the best students to attend their programs. It's not just their grades that matter – it's their conduct. The officers are less likely to accept your application than an applicant with an unblemished record.
Do not assume that you can take on these allegations alone, even if you believe you have strong evidence. One mistake may cost you your degree. Even if you have a chance to appeal a sanction, the best way to fight back is to work with a skilled attorney-advisor who knows what's at stake.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento knows what it means to have a dream of becoming a professional. He works with students to negotiate a fair outcome for their cases. With years of experience working with students countrywide, advisor Lento knows what to look out for and how the process works. Using his expertise, advisor Lento tackles your case with care and attention, leaving no stone unturned to help you reach the best possible outcome.
You worked hard to start dental school. One mistake or lapse in judgment should not destroy your future permanently. If you or someone you care for face allegations of academic misconduct, progression, or behavioral issues, it's not too late. Don't wait until the appeals process to seek help for violations. Call the Lento Law Firm for an honest, transparent, and discreet conversation at 888-535-3686.
