When you apply to dental school, you are focused on the end result and all the benefits it brings. You never consider that your time in dental school could be cut short because of issues with your behavior. The University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMich) is ranked number one in the United States and number two worldwide. As such, it is committed to advancing dental health by training future dental professionals to improve oral health around the world.
The standards at UMich School of Dentistry are incredibly high, and many students will struggle with feeling overwhelmed, leading them to behave in ways they normally do not. In fact, even the most diligent of dental students can have a hard time keeping up with the tremendous amount of work that is placed on their shoulders.
If you or someone you love is struggling in dental school and has been notified of disciplinary action, a dismissal hearing, or a remediation plan meeting, an attorney-advisor can help. Call Lento Law Firm today.
University of Michigan School of Dentistry Code of Conduct
Like most schools around the country, UMich School of Dentistry requires its students to follow certain guidelines. These guidelines will be spelled out in the school's code of conduct, but they generally cover the student's professional and academic behavior while on and off campus. Some examples include:
- Social media guidelines
- Health insurance requirements
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
- Treating others with respect and compassion
- Maintaining satisfactory grades
- Upholding both academic and professional integrity
- Providing excellent patient care
In addition to these stipulations, the code of conduct will usually discuss abstaining from academic misconduct. Academic misconduct is a blanket term that covers such behaviors as:
- Cheating: attempting to use, or actually using, unauthorized materials on an exam, clinical lab work, or other assignment; helping someone else use these materials on an assignment, exam, or clinical lab work
- Plagiarism: using someone else's ideas or work as if it were your own; incorrectly citing a reference on an assignment
- Fabrication: creating fictitious information and using it as if it were real
When students are caught violating these policies at UMich School of Dentistry, they can be referred to specific committees for review. Most of the time, these committees will determine whether a struggling student needs a remediation plan, a misbehaving student requires disciplinary action, or, if the behavior is so egregious, the student should be referred for dismissal from the program altogether. Whatever the case, an attorney-advisor can help, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome for your case.
Remediation at University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Dental schools understand that all students learn differently. Some may do better in their clinical work, while others will excel during examinations. To ensure that every student has the chance to pass their courses and graduate, most dental schools offer a remediation plan the student can follow to get them back on track.
At UMich School of Dentistry, student records are reviewed each year. If the reviewing committee notices that a student is struggling to pass their courses, examinations, or clinical work, they will typically work with them to create a remediation plan. Remediation plans tend to be completed during the summer each year and allow the student to essentially retake the course, clinical, or examination. For a student to progress to the next year of the program, they must pass this remediation plan. Unfortunately, if a student does not successfully complete their remediation plan, they tend to be referred for dismissal.
Dismissal Proceedings at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
As we explained above, dental students are evaluated throughout the year at UMich School of Dentistry by a promotions committee. This committee will determine if a student should be referred for dismissal because of their inability to pass a remediation plan or other conduct code violations.
When students are referred for a dismissal hearing, they will be given the opportunity to meet with the committee and present a defense. Many students fail to create a sufficient defense for these proceedings, hoping they can “wing it” instead. Sadly, this leads to students facing unnecessary negative consequences that can have long-lasting effects on not just their dental school career but their future prospects as well.
During the hearing, it is important to present a strong defense, including presenting evidence and witness to speak on your behalf. Once the hearing ends, the committee overseeing it will review the information and determine whether dismissal is appropriate or not.
If the committee finds that dismissal is appropriate, they will notify you, usually in writing, within a few days. This notification will also lay out specific details on how to appeal the decision. Normally, to appeal, students must show that either:
- There was a procedural error that affected the outcome of the hearing
- There was a bias or conflict of interest on behalf of the committee toward the student
- There is new evidence available that, if it had been available before, would have affected the outcome of the hearing
It is important to note that if the idea of filing an appeal feels overwhelming, an attorney advisor can help ease that burden.
How an Experienced Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Dental school issues can have long-term effects on a student's life. For instance, students who are dismissed or suspended will have these punishments noted on their final transcript. If they decide to pursue their education elsewhere, they will have to explain the incident on every application, which could make it harder to gain entry to those other institutions. An attorney-advisor can help ensure you are not subject to any unnecessary negative consequences.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm have years of experience helping dental students who are facing similar hearings. They will work tirelessly to help you create a strong defense. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or visit us online.
