Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, located in New York, New York, is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for students to choose from, including pre-dental, dental hygiene, and dental sciences. Due to the highly competitive admission process, the admissions process is far from easy and admitted students have likely worked their entire life to secure a spot in the ivy league program. If you are facing dismissal from the program or appealing a dismissal decision, you may feel as though your future is bleak and your years of hard work have come to an end. However, this may not be the case. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are skilled advocates who regularly work with dental students and other graduate students facing dismissal. Together, we will work together to carve a path forward for your success.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
There are several reasons why students may be expelled from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. An in-depth review of the school's policies may be found in the school's Honor Code and Guidelines on Professionalism. Some reasons for investigation and expulsion from the program might include:
- Academic misconduct such as cheating, plagiarism, willfully or recklessly misrepresenting research, use of unauthorized materials, etc.
- Professional misconduct, such as patient neglect or mistreatment. Misconduct may also include misuse of medical equipment, HIPPA violations, or actions that are not in accordance with the American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.
- Prohibited behavioral conduct such as the illegal use or possession of illicit substances, threatening the health or safety of others, discrimination towards students, staff, or patients, etc. Prohibited conduct also includes sexual misconduct as well as prohibited romantic relationships with patients.
- Lack of academic progressions, including failing grades, failed practicums, unexcused absences, etc.
The Adjudication Process
The term “adjudication” refers to the process of hearing and deciding a grievance or complaint. The adjudication process for the school is described in detail on the school's disciplinary policies site and typically consists of the following steps as summarized below:
- Investigation: Before a dismissal is formally adjudicated, the school conducts a formal investigation. The school specifically refers to this investigation process as “Dean's Discipline.” After receiving a report of alleged misconduct, the school initiates a formal investigation to determine whether to pursue additional action, dismiss the complaint, or refer the allegation to an outside authority (such as law enforcement). The school specifically states that “no report will be referred for disciplinary action unless there is credible information to support each element of the violation . . .” During the investigation phase, the school may place certain restrictions on students that include limiting their ability to contact certain students, attend class, or reside on campus.
- Collection of Evidence and Notice of Hearing: If the school determines that alleged misconduct warrants potential discipline, they will proceed by collecting evidence and scheduling a formal hearing. During this phase, students have the right to review relevant documentation through a formal review of their disciplinary file. The school may also prepare a written statement sharing their side of the story. The school further notes that failure to review the disciplinary file may impact the ability to participate fully in the hearing.
- Adjudication Hearing: After gathering evidence and allowing students the chance to review their disciplinary file, the matter proceeds to a formal hearing. At the hearing, the school and the student may present evidence in support of their position, ask questions to “clarify or understand potential policy violations . . . and provide the student's perspective.” While some schools allow students the right to have attorneys or attorney-advisors present at the hearing, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine does not. In fact, students may only be accompanied by an administrator designated by the student council.
- Adjudication Results: The school may respond in several ways that do not automatically include dismissal from the program. The school may issue a suspension or prevent a student from living on campus. The school may also decide that the student will lose privileges to use certain campus facilities such as the library, gym, etc. If the alleged misconduct occurred within the context of a school-sponsored activity such as a club, committee, or organization, the school may also restrict the student from further participation. Finally, the school may also offer retribution services such as drug screening, counseling, reflection assignments, anger management, etc.
The Benefits of Having Attorney-Advisor Lento on Your Team
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team will provide invaluable support, guidance, and perspective throughout the entirety of your matter. First, we can help you understand the nature of the charges against you so you are thoroughly prepared to answer any of the questions that the administration may ask. Secondly, we can help you review all communications between you and the school to ensure that you understand their purpose and reply within the required time frame. We can also help you draft your written response, collect evidence, and formulate a strong case that shares your side of the story.
Although we may not be able to attend the hearing in person, we can help you prepare for the hearing by pointing out the weaknesses or strengths of your case. We can also help you prepare a written statement that accurately reflects your side of the story and is respectful to the school's reviewing officers. Finally, we can help you understand the nature of the questions that you may be asked at the hearing as well as the answers you should provide.
The Appeals Process
You may already be past the point of adjudication. Even if you are currently facing dismissal, you may be able to challenge the outcome. It's important to note, however, that appeals are not guaranteed by the school and can only be raised in circumstances of procedural error, new information, or inappropriate sanctions. If the school determines you raised an appropriate appeal, the appellate officer will then affirm the decision, revise the sanction, or return the matter back to the hearing officer for further consideration.
Contact Attorney-Advisor Lento Today for Help Navigating Your Adjudication or Appeal
As a dental student facing dismissal or navigating an appeal, you may feel embarrassed and depressed. While you may assume that the dream you have worked for your entire life is no longer attainable, this is not always the case! With the assistance of Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, you will be equipped to challenge the school's investigation and determinations. If the hearing officers determine that you should be dismissed from the program, we can help you formulate a strong argument for appeal. We can also review the school's actions and policies and ensure that they comport with the requisite federal and state standards. You have worked too hard to let your dream die.
If you or someone you love has faced or is facing dismissal from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, contact us today by calling (888) 535-3686 or by using our online contact form.
