West Virginia University School of Dentistry (WVU) is committed to improving oral health by training dental professionals to provide excellent patient care to both city dwellers and more rural communities. They encourage students to get further hands-on experience in their local communities before graduation and seek research opportunities that align with the oral health needs of West Virginia. With such high expectations of its students, it's no wonder some dental student buckle under the pressure.
If you or someone you love has been accused of a disciplinary action, notified of a dismissal hearing, or is trying to understand what to ask for in a remediation meeting, Lento Law Firm can help. Call our offices today.
West Virginia University School of Dentistry Code of Conduct
The dental profession, and the WVU School of Dentistry, demand that students maintain certain academic and professional standards in exchange for the privileges they are afforded by their new profession. At WVU, these expectations are listed in the code of conduct and include such things as:
- Complying with the laws of the United States and West Virginia
- Attending all classes, laboratory, and clinic sessions unless they are sick or for other matters that have been reported to the Dean
- Maintaining a dedication to providing excellent patient care and following the guidance of their instructors
- Being considerate and respectful towards patients, their families, instructors, staff, and colleagues
- Refraining from damaging property or disorderly conduct
- Abstaining from alcohol or substance abuse
Additionally, WVU dental students must maintain the standards of academic integrity the university outlines. As such, academic misconduct is outlawed. Academic misconduct is an umbrella term for things like:
- Plagiarism: submitting material taken from someone else as if it was your own
- Cheating on exams, assignments, or clinical duties
- Getting help from an unauthorized source during an exam, assignment, or clinical rotation
- Submitting a score or answer sheet that has been altered
- Allowing other students to submit your work for credit
- Falsifying clinical records
- Forging or misrepresenting information to the school
- Misusing the internet, social networking sites, and blogs
If you are accused of violating the code of conduct at WVU School of Dentistry, you could be called to a disciplinary hearing and subsequently punished for this behavior. Working with an attorney-advisor is the best way to guarantee you do not face any unnecessary punishments.
Remediation at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry
At the end of each academic year, a committee is charged with reviewing each student's academic progress. If they find that a student has been struggling to pass their courses, exams, or clinical rotations, they will refer them for a remediation plan. A remediation plan allows a student to retake a course, exam, or clinical the next time it is offered or during the summer months in between academic years. Once the student successfully completes the remediation plan, they will be allowed to rejoin their cohort in the fall and continue with the dental program.
Unfortunately, some students may find it difficult to pass their remediation plan. When this happens, the student will be referred for dismissal from the program. If you or someone you love is unable to pass their remediation plan at WVU School of Dentistry, an attorney-advisor can help you present your defense at the dismissal hearing.
Dismissal Proceedings at West Virginia University School of Dentistry
There are several other reasons that students at WVU School of Dentistry might be dismissed, including:
- Failing to pass the National Board Dental Examination Part I exam before the beginning of the summer session of their third year
- Failing the Clinic Completion course and the Community Dentistry course, and any other courses after already being sanctioned with a delayed graduation
- Having a GPA below 2.0 in any given semester
- Violating the code of conduct
- Failing a remediation plan
When you are notified of a dismissal hearing, it is important you create a strong defense to present to the committee overseeing the hearing. Once you have finished presenting your side, the committee will review the information and determine whether dismissal is appropriate.
It is important to note that if the committee finds dismissal appropriate, they will notify you in writing and give you instructions on how to appeal their decision. An appeal must be made to the Associate Provost for Graduate Academic Affairs within ten days of receiving the initial decision. The Associate Provost or a Student Academic Hearing Committee will review the appeal and make a determination as to whether the original decision should be dismissed, amended, or upheld. Whatever they decide, it is final and cannot be appealed further.
How a Skilled Attorney-Advisor Can Help
When you get into dental school, your focus is on getting through the program and graduating. You dream about life as a dental professional and the advantages it will bring. You never think about being cast out early from the program. This is why so many students believe they can defend themselves sufficiently in proceedings like the ones listed above. Unfortunately, they find out the hard way that “winging it” isn't enough and find themselves facing consequences that reach long past the WVU campus. For instance, students who are suspended or dismissed will find that these punishments are noted on their transcripts. When they got to apply to a new school or a post-graduate fellowship, they will have to explain the sanctions to the new admissions board.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm are skilled attorney-advisors who have helped hundreds of dental students across the country defend themselves against preventable punishments. They will work determinedly and quickly to gather evidence and witnesses so they can best advocate on your behalf. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation or visit us online.
