Dental School Dismissals: Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
The Dental College of Georgia (DCG) at Augusta University aims to provide dental education to the next generation of professionals through hands-on opportunities, innovative research, patient care, and service, as well as offer quality dental care to nearly 50,000 patients each year. Since its inception in 1969, DCG has graduated nearly 2,500 dentists who practice in Georgia and around the world. As the state's sole dental college, DCG educates and trains more than 300 dental students and approximately 60 residents per year. It should come as no surprise that the school has high standards regarding professionalism, academics, and behavior. Violations of institutional guidelines can lead to consequences that may include dismissal.
As a dental student, you know the great responsibility that comes with the profession, as patients trust you to take care of their oral health, which is vital to their self-esteem and overall wellness. That's why dental schools, including DCG, will dismiss anyone who does not make satisfactory academic progress, violates guidelines governing a student's personal and professional behavior, and fails to adhere to certain ethical tenets. Expulsion from dental school can derail your desire to become a dentist, as you may have a more difficult time being accepted to a different dental school. If you have gotten in trouble at dental school and you're facing possible dismissal, you need an experienced advisor on your side who can help you fight for your rights and get your promising future back on track.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
If you are a dental student at DCG who is facing possible dismissal, you need to take these consequences seriously and pursue immediate action to defend yourself. At DCG, you may be kicked out of the institution for a variety of reasons, such as academic misconduct, unprofessional behavior, failing to pass a class or progress academically within a specified timeframe, and violating the ethical standards of the institution and the profession. Keep in mind that many infractions do not result in immediate dismissal, but minor consequences add up over time and may eventually cause administrators to consider more serious repercussions.
On the other hand, there are certain types of misconduct that call for immediate expulsion, even if you've never broken any rules before. These infractions may include earning failing grades, using language that is discriminatory or hateful toward a person or group of people, harassing or abusing another student or staff member, plagiarizing or committing other forms of academic dishonesty or fraud, using drugs or alcohol in prohibited spaces, or sharing patient information with unauthorized individuals. If you have run into trouble at DCG and are now facing harsh consequences, it is time to contact an advisor who can help you with your next steps.
Adjudication Process at DCG
Detailed information about DCG's academic progress policies is available on the school's website, including reasons for possible dismissal and the adjudication process if satisfactory progress is not met. Each student's academic standing is monitored by the Student Academic Review Committee (SARC), which regularly reviews and evaluates academic performance. Upon review, the committee will make recommendations that may include academic probation, repeating coursework, withdrawal from courses, or dismissal from the institution. A student is likely to face probation or dismissal if their grade point average falls below 2.00 at the end of any semester.
The authority to dismiss a student rests with the dean, but no student will be dismissed before they have had a hearing before the SARC. If a hearing is warranted, the chair of the SARC will notify the student and other parties that a hearing is to be scheduled, which will typically happen within 10 days. At least five days before the dismissal hearing, the student will receive notice of the specific date, time, and location, as well as the policies and violations that could lead to their dismissal. Students may select an advisor to assist them with their defense. Even though an advisor may not participate in the hearing directly, they can help the student with important tasks such as gathering evidence, finding witnesses, submitting paperwork, and crafting an effective defense.
Following the hearing, the dean will submit their recommendation to the student within five days of receiving a written suggestion from the SARC. The process of gathering and submitting evidence and documentation can be daunting and complex, so having an advisor in your corner can help you stay on track during this challenging and overwhelming time in your life.
Appeals Process at DCG
Once a student has received a recommendation for sanctions or dismissal from the dean, they may submit an appeal to the president of Augusta University in accordance with the university's academic appeals policy. When submitting an appeal, the SARC will only reconsider its findings if new information has become available that would have altered its recommendations or if there was a serious procedural error in the initial trial. Any student who is dismissed or withdraws from DCG may apply to the Student Admissions and Recruitment Committee for readmission as a first-year student. The appeal should clearly state why the student should be considered for reinstatement.
How an Attorney-Advisor Can Help
Becoming a dentist requires a lot of time, money, and effort, and you've already put a lot into achieving this dream. If you've made a mistake and are now facing possible dismissal from DCG, you might feel like you're at the end of the line – but an experienced advisor can help you achieve the most favorable outcome in your case and give you a better shot at avoiding dismissal. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm have helped hundreds of students across the country defend themselves in situations similar to yours. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case today.
