As the second-oldest continually operating dental school in the U.S., the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Philadelphia’s Temple University has built a reputation for rigorous academic standards. Students here are preparing for demanding careers in the field of dentistry, where precision and honesty are non-negotiable. When allegations arise, they are taken very seriously and could jeopardize a student’s future.
The LLF National Law Firm advocates for students across the country, including those enrolled at leading dental schools like the Kornberg School of Dentistry (SOD). If you or your child is at risk of disciplinary action, you don’t have to handle it alone. Both parents and students are encouraged to call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our contact form for immediate help.
What Constitutes Academic Misconduct at Kornberg SOD
At the Kornberg School of Dentistry, every student is bound by something known as the Honor Code, which emphasizes honesty and integrity. When you enroll at Temple University, you agree to follow that Honor Code, and that starts with honesty during the application process. Any misrepresentations can result in dismissal or withdrawal of your admission.
Dental school students also need to follow the general Temple University Student Code of Conduct. This document outlines behaviors that constitute academic misconduct. They include:
- Plagiarism: Using work, including paraphrasing, that was created by someone else without credit
- Cheating: Getting unauthorized assistance with taking exams, writing papers, creating reports, or solving problems
- Assistance with cheating: Facilitating or encouraging another student to engage in plagiarism or cheating
In some cases, faculty can address academic misconduct through the grading system. When behavior needs to be addressed by campus administration, though, faculty reports it using Temple’s My Courses system. This information goes to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS), which handles academic complaint investigations. Fellow students can also file a complaint with the SCCS using the online form.
How Academic Misconduct Investigations Are Handled
Temple University’s dental students undergo the same academic misconduct investigations as the school’s other students. When a complaint comes in, the Student Conduct Administrator (SCA) first reviews it to ensure it merits further investigation.
If the administrator feels a violation may have occurred, the student will be notified in writing of the charges, and a date will be set for a Student Conduct Board Hearing. This hearing will typically take place within 60 business days of student notification and serves as an informational step, where the SCA explains the charges, possible sanctions, and any options for resolving the matter.
Hearings, Personal Advisors, and Due Process
If the matter can’t be resolved during the Student Conduct Board Hearing, the next step is the Process Review Meeting. The purpose of this non-adversarial meeting between the accused student and the SCA is to review the charges, summarize the allegations, and explain possible sanctions. Students can bring a personal advisor to the hearing, but this advisor is not allowed to participate in the proceedings.
The next step is a hearing before the board. The Student Conduct Board Hearing is held in private, with only the accused student, the complainant, and their chosen advisors meeting with the board. The advisor, once again, cannot actively participate aside from supporting the student.
Once both sides have stated their case, the board determines responsibility using a “more likely than not” standard. The board will make a finding and submit recommended sanctions to the University Code Administrator, who issues the final decision and provides instructions for appeal.
Sanctions and Penalties at the Kornberg School of Dentistry
Students who are found responsible for misconduct face sanctions ranging from minor to severe. They are:
- Course-level penalties: Instructors may issue a failing grade on an exam or, for more severe infractions, a failing grade for the entire course. This can set back clinical training and delay graduation.
- Letter of reprimand: A written warning placed in your file, which will remain as part of your disciplinary record.
- Disciplinary probation: A defined period during which further misconduct could result in more severe penalties. You’ll find that being on probation limits your ability to participate in certain university activities.
- Suspension or dismissal: The most severe infractions can lead to suspension from the university or permanent removal from the program.
- Other educational sanctions: The dental school may assign students to academic integrity workshops, reflective essays, or community service.
Appealing Disciplinary Decisions at Temple University
When Kornberg SOD students get an unfavorable decision from the board, the typical next step is to file an appeal. You’ll have five business days after the decision to submit your appeal request, and the original complainant will be given the opportunity to respond before the SBA either forwards it to the Appellate Board or dismisses it.
It’s important to understand that appeals aren’t second trials. The Appellate Board’s job is to decide whether serious procedural errors prevented a fair hearing or new evidence emerged that could change the outcome. If not, the original decision will stand. This last look at your case is the final decision.
How the LLF National Law Firm Can Help
Even though attorneys aren’t allowed to speak or present evidence at Kornberg SOD hearings, their assistance outside of hearings can be a big help. They’ll help you gather evidence, anticipate questions, develop responses, and craft strong appeal arguments.
But for dental school students, the stakes are higher than just grades. Dentistry is a profession built on integrity, and allegations of dishonesty, even when unproven, can derail your career before it even begins. A well-crafted defense is the best way to minimize the risks.
Why You Should Hire the LLF National Law Firm
At Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry, a misconduct finding can go beyond delaying graduation. It could also negatively impact your future as a dentist. Whether the allegation involves plagiarism, exam misconduct, or helping someone else cheat, the outcome can be serious and long-lasting. Our experienced education law team can help you avoid a mark on your record that will follow you for years.
The LLF National Law Firm has extensive experience in guiding students through complex disciplinary systems. We’re familiar with the Kornberg School of Dentistry’s Honor Code, Temple University’s Student Code of Conduct, and the nuances of the school’s hearings and appeals. Give us a call today at 888.535.3686 to find out how we can help protect your rights. You can also fill out our confidential contact form to get in touch.