Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine (SBUSDM) is a public school of dental medicine established in 1968 in Stony Brook, New York. The school is part of the Stony Brook University complex and is one of the five dental schools in NY state. SBUSDM offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery and the Master of Science in Oral Biology and Pathology. With a mission to deliver innovative oral-care education and research, its core values include advocacy, diversity, ethics, and accountability. The latter is an integral part of its mission to provide an equal opportunity for all students to succeed. That is why maintaining ethical behavior, consistent academic progress, and avoiding misconduct issues are essential if you want to remain enrolled in the program.
As a dentistry student at SBUSDM, you have multiple opportunities to pursue a rewarding career after graduation. But to do so, you must abide by the rules outlined in the student handbook regarding proper conduct and academic progression. Failure to do so leads to multiple issues, including suspension and expulsion. A dismissal has disastrous consequences on your progress and prospects as a dentist. It may pose issues when you want to find a job after graduation. Even if you find a new dentistry program after dismissal from SBUSDM, your dismissal remains on your permanent record. If you face dismissal from SBUSDM, don't wait to take action. Contact Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team to reduce the chances of a negative outcome.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal or expulsion from dental school negatively affects your future as a dentist and your present reputation among peers. One of the main reasons for dismissal is a lack of satisfactory academic progress. If you cannot keep up with your peers and the program despite remediation and warnings, this may lead to dismissal. Another reason is ethical or behavioral misconduct, which includes plagiarism, cheating, or dishonesty. One common reason for dismissal is repeated instances of professional misconduct violations. As a dentist, you are in a position of public trust and will work with patients and staff members continuously. If you do not demonstrate professional conduct, your professors may flag your behavior as inappropriate, leading to a hearing and possibly expulsion. Although dentistry schools reserve expulsion as a last resort, it is not an uncommon punishment for egregious violations or repeated, undesirable behavior.
Adjudication Process at SBUSDM
The Student Handbook for dentistry students at SBUSDM details student conduct expectations and the school's rules and regulations. The handbook contains segments that deal with infarctions resulting from academic issues, lapses in judgment and professionalism, lack of ethical and professional behavior, and academic integrity. If someone files a complaint against you, the Associate Dean for Education and Academic Standing Committee sends you a written statement and sets up a hearing. The student may have two witnesses present during the meeting but cannot be attorneys. During the hearing, the panel members review the student's record and discuss the allegations, giving the student a chance to give their version of the events. Once the hearing concludes, the committee members deliberate and base their sanctions recommendation on the hearing's procedures. Then, they send their recommendations and all supporting documents to the Dean, who reports the results to the student within five business days of receipt.
Although you cannot have an advisor during the hearing, having the guidance of Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team behind the scenes is just as effective. They can advise and guide you on how to defend yourself during the hearing best. While this is a stressful time, having them by your side helps you fight back, decreasing the likelihood of a negative outcome.
Appeals Process
You may appeal the hearing committee to the Office of the Vice President of the Health Sciences Center. To do so, you must send a letter stating the reason within ten business days of receiving the committee's written notice. SBUSDM does not grant appeals based on exam or course grades, only those related to conduct issues. During this time, you may need to meet with the Dean to discuss the reasons for your appeal in depth. Based on the information presented, the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine may take one of the following actions:
- The Dean may either accept or reject the Academic Standing Committee's recommendation
- Upholding the appeal and a reversal of the decision or reinstatement
- Denying the appeal
Speaking to Attorney Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team helps you immensely during this process. They can help you formulate a concise and convincing appeal letter that lists your argument clearly and reduces the likelihood of receiving the dismissal. And while there are no guarantees, having the guidance of an experienced team can make all the difference in the result of your case.
Hiring an Attorney Advisor
Dental school can be one of the most exciting educational opportunities as you work to actualize your dream of becoming a dentist. But one violation can lead to dismissal, especially if it is severe. However, regardless of the infarction, you deserve due process and representation from a solid and experienced team that understands what is at stake.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Law Education Law Team have years of experience working with dental students nationwide. With their dedication, knowledge, and passion for justice, the team guides you through this stressful period and gives you a shoulder to rely on when all seems lost.
Don't let a mistake end your dream of becoming a dentist. If you or a loved one face accusations of ethical, behavioral, or academic issues at SBUSDM, don't wait. Call the Lento Law Firm today online or call 888-535-3686 for more information.
