The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is a public school of dentistry established in 1892. It is one of the highest-ranking schools for dentistry nationwide and internationally. The Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is part of the State University of New York with multiple departments like Oral Diagnostic Services, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry. Because it enjoys such a rich reputation, students have many opportunities to look forward to in the US and beyond. However, they must maintain professional and ethical behavior and avoid academic issues to graduate.
As a dentistry student, you have much to learn and face significant pressure to succeed and progress academically. Despite your best intentions and preparations, something can go wrong unexpectedly. Whether it was a genuine error or a judgment lapse, the repercussions can cause significant damage to your future, especially when it involves suspension or expulsion. Without the help of an attorney-advisor with experience in student defense, you may not graduate on time because of a violation. In worst-case scenarios, you may not graduate and must start over at another school to continue dentistry.
Professionalism and Behavioral Issues
The Student Handbook applies to all students at the University at Buffalo, including those in the School of Dentistry. It describes academic misconduct, unprofessional behavior, and the adjudication process. Since the university relies on its good name to improve its offerings and services, it must impose harsh sanctions for students who go against the standards in the code of conduct.
Academic integrity is high on the list of requirements at the school, with separate rules for graduate and undergraduate students. According to the student handbook, the following actions constitute academic dishonesty:
- Cheating on an educational exercise such as an exam or quiz
- Providing false information, data, or documents to any official or administrator in the university
- Misusing, forging, or altering information on documents such as ID cards and passports intentionally
- Forging documents owned by the university
- Submitting a falsified grade from the university to another institution
- Altering answers and coursework after a professor marks it
- Intentionally falsifying application information
The University at Buffalo has an extensive list of sanctions for those who commit violations. The severity of the sanction depends on multiple factors, such as the degree of involvement, overall impact, and repeated offenses. Severe sanctions include temporary dismissal, a permanent transcript notation, disciplinary probation, and permanent dismissal. The least impactful are receiving a warning, loss of privileges, and counseling. Regardless, they have numerous long and short-term effects on your education and career. Avoiding them and working with a professional who helps you achieve the best possible outcome is the most potent option for success.
Academic Issues
Even if you have a solid moral and ethical compass, you still have to maintain good grades and consistently improve to finish your program. Dentistry school is tough, and the University at Buffalo offers a particularly rigorous program. It is not hard to fall behind your peers, especially with your program's pressure and late-night study sessions. In cases such as these, remediation is the best option.
Although this route is time-consuming and a hassle for many students, it is still a way out. If you falter, you can use the time spent on this program to recalibrate. However, remediation isn't an option in some instances, or you may face dismissal for poor performance. In these cases, working with someone who understands the implications of academic issues on your future is essential.
Consequences of a Permanent Dismissal
All sanctions have negative repercussions on a student's life. However, with a permanent dismissal, your issues extend to your personal and professional life, not just your university. When you receive an expulsion, you'll have a notation on your transcript that indicates the sanction. Although you may assume that you can start over in another school of dentistry, it is not that simple. Remember that admissions officers prefer students with unblemished records and who show promise. Moreover, colleges with competitive acceptance rates will not hesitate to put your application aside in favor of a student with better qualifications and no issues on their record.
- Some of the issues you may face with expulsion from the University at Buffalo are:
- Not being able to get into another reputable dentistry school due to the notation on your transcript
- Reputation damage that may affect your professional life and cause differential treatment
- Loss of time and effort spent on getting your degree
- Having to start over in another program despite finishing multiple years at the University at Buffalo
- Financial issues that stem from unexpected expenses
- Loss of privileges, scholarships, access to student clubs and housing
- Loss of morale may lead you to pursue another career
Getting expelled from college may not be the end of the world, but for many students, it is the end of pursuing a dentistry degree. Because this is such a sensitive issue, you need the experience of a specialist who understands what you are going through and helps you fight for the best possible case outcome.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense. With years of experience working with dentistry students across the United States, advisor Lento understands what is at stake with a severe sanction and what it means for your future.
Advisor Lento takes on each case with care and experience, guiding students with his thorough defense strategy. With his knowledge of how the adjudication process works, advisor Lento identifies issues that affect your chances of a favorable outcome. These issues include bias, unsubstantial claims, and procedural errors that harm your case.
You are a student who will make mistakes as a normal part of the journey to become a dentist. Don't let an accusation deprive you of the chance to graduate and launch a successful career.
If you or someone dear to you faces allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, or academic issues at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, don't delay. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 for more information about how to tackle your case.
