The Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Dentistry (OHSUSD) is a public school of dentistry established in 1899 in Portland, Oregon. The school is part of Oregon Health and Sciences University's prestigious history stretching back 124 years. OHSUSD offers the Doctor of Dental Medicine Degrees, with numerous departments specializing in multiple dentistry majors. Due to its solid reputation and history, dentistry students can look forward to multiple perks and career opportunities upon graduation. However, to remain enrolled at OHSUSD and receive your degree, you must follow the code of conduct and avoid violating its rules. Failure to do so can lead to multiple repercussions, including suspension and dismissal, that negatively impact your future.
No student enters dental school intending to commit violations and face dismissal. However, making mistakes is part of the learning process. Some violations are more severe than others, leading to sanctions that can end your life. With a dismissal, your violation is permanently on your transcript, making it difficult to find another program or get a job. With so much at stake, speaking with a professional is crucial if something goes awry. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team are by your side when the worst happens. Their experience and knowledge can help guide you when facing a hearing at OHSUSD, decreasing the likelihood of a negative case outcome.
Common Causes for Dismissal
Dental schools usually reserve dismissal for egregious violations and mistakes. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of academic progress, ethical or professional violations, and misconduct. Repeated cases of misconduct may lead to suspension. However, dismissal is likelier if a professional violation can affect the university's reputation or put others at risk. As a future dentist, you will work with people from all walks of life. You will also likely be responsible for staff members who work with you. Suppose you commit an egregious or severe violation. In that case, you may not have the best defense strategy before a hearing. Regardless of the circumstances, a dismissal is a life-changing event with multiple long and short-term repercussions. You may have to change your major or try to find a new program. You may also need to pay additional expenses and have a more challenging time gaining acceptance into another school. In worst-case scenarios, the reputation damage will follow you to your professional life. That is why you need the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Lento and The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team when facing damaging allegations.
Adjudication Process at OHSUSD
According to the Student Handbook, OSHUSD has detailed instructions regarding the grievance procedure against students. Any community member can submit a complaint against the student if they believe a violation occurred. The formal grievance process starts when someone submits a formal grievance complaint to the school of dentistry or the dean. Students who face dismissal or suspension receive a written notification with the opportunity to participate in a hearing. The dean appoints a hearing committee to review the case details. The student may defend themselves against the allegations during the hearing and submit their evidence. After it concludes, the hearing panel sends its recommendation to the provost. The policy is unclear on whether a student may have an advisor present. However, the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can still come in handy behind the scenes. With their experience dealing with cases like yours, they can help you formulate a strategy to increase the likelihood of a positive hearing outcome.
Appeals Process
Fortunately, students can appeal the hearing panel's decision, especially regarding suspension and dismissal. To do so, you must submit your appeal letter to the provost in writing within ten business days of receiving the panel's decision. To appeal, you must do so under one of the following grounds:
- The school or college did not follow established procedures, and the error led to prejudice against the student
- There is new material available that may change the direction of the case, and this material was not available at the time of the hearing
- The decision conflicts with OHSU policies
Once the provost receives the appeal, they review the evidence and the new material, if applicable, and decide the case outcome. The provost's decision is final, and students may not appeal after this phase. Although there is no guarantee that an appeal may overturn the hearing panel's decision, it still brings a glimmer of hope regarding a suspension or dismissal. Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help you draft a convincing appeal that increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
You worked hard to get to dental school and have plenty of stress to deal with besides your courses and daily life. The possibility of an expulsion incurs additional stress, which may cloud your judgment and further exacerbate the matter. Do not attempt to tackle the hearing panel and the process alone if you want a higher chance of overturning the decision. For the best possible outcome, working with professionals can lead to better results.
Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understand what you are going through. With years of experience working with dental students facing sanctions nationwide, they are a shoulder to rely on when all seems lost. Using their experience, compassion, and their knowledge, the team guides you throughout the process, from receiving the letter to the appeal. At every step of the way, Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team stay with you to decrease the likelihood of a negative turnout.
You worked hard to get into dental school and pave your path to becoming a dentist. Don't let a mistake or lapse in judgment end your dreams and ambition.
If you or someone you love faces dismissal from OHSUSD, hope and help are available. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or online for a discreet and thorough conversation about the next steps.
