Getting into dental school takes a significant amount of time, energy, and resources. You have to complete your undergraduate education first before applying to and matriculating at a dental school — another four years on top of your undergrad.
All of this is to say that if you've gotten to dental school, you've already invested a significant amount in your career as a future dentist. And, if you're attending the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, you're already aware of the incredible resources you have at your fingertips. For 70+ years, the School of Dentistry has established a reputation for having stellar research opportunities, strong academic programs, passionate faculty and staff, and cutting-edge facilities.
This may sound great — and it is! — but none of this, unfortunately, guarantees that you will achieve your dental degree.
Quite the opposite: As a dental student, you need to be aware of the many ways dental students can risk dismissal from their schools (and subsequently increased difficulty pursuing work in dentistry). Dental schools can be ruthless in recommending dismissal for their students.
Why Would the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Dismiss Me?
Unfortunately, there can be several reasons why a school might try to dismiss even its brightest and best students.
Your school's code of conduct is the best place to start when uncovering those reasons. The University of Alabama School of Dentistry's code of conduct is freely available on the school's website, and it lists out the main reasons a student may (allegedly) merit dismissal.
These reasons include:
- Behavioral misconduct (such as hazing, bullying, weapons violence, or drug-related offenses)
- Sexual misconduct (which can range from stalking to sexual violence)
- Academic misconduct (e.g., cheating and plagiarism)
There's another category of potentially-problematic concerns that your school may use as rationale for a dismissal: Academic issues. If your educators can allege that you are not moving through the school's curriculum as quickly as expected (or not making good enough grades), your school could move to dismiss you for that reason alone.
If this happens, and your school notifies you of an impending dismissal for any reason, you need to take immediate action.
What Does the University of Alabama School of Dentistry's Dismissal Process Look Like?
The severity of your alleged actions may influence the way your school's dismissal process moves forward.
For example, if your school believes that you may be associated with violence against another student, you could get dismissed extremely quickly. If, on the other hand, your school is alleging that you are failing to progress adequately, your experience could be much more drawn out.
Regardless, you should keep an eye out for the following events:
- A written notice from your school. This notice is important: It initiates your school's process and should contain your school's specific complaints about your behavior or performance. Note these down. (If you have not yet retained Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Student Defense Team, do so now.)
- An investigation. Your school will take time to try and understand what happened. This may involve looking at your past academic performance, any previous behavioral issues, talking with your teachers and peers, and other evidence-gathering processes.
- A hearing. Your school will ask you to stand before a panel of representatives and discuss your allegations. You'll need to share your side of the story at this time.
At the end of your hearing, your school will come to a decision regarding your responsibility for the allegations against you. Based on that decision, your school will decide whether you will be dismissed or retain your student status.
What Can I Do After My School Has Dismissed Me?
Luckily, you're not at the end of the road yet.
After your school recommends dismissal, you may be able to file an appeal immediately to ask your school to reconsider its disciplinary recommendations (or opt for a lesser sanction). However, you will only have one chance to do this, so it's vital to get the process right. Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Student Defense Team will be able to help you file the most strategic appeal possible.
If this does not work and your school is still set on dismissing you, you may be able to pursue the following strategies:
- Speak with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, or file a complaint. This may produce a good effect on its own, or it can serve as a solid foundation for any subsequent legal strategies.
- Have the Lento Law Firm Team negotiate with your school's Office of General Counsel on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit against your school, if needed!
The Lento Law Firm Team will be able to help you assess your case and make the most strategic steps forward.
If You're Facing Dismissal at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Call the Lento Law Firm Team
There's something uniquely final-sounding about a dental school dismissal. It's easy to think that if your school is trying to dismiss you, there's not much you can do about it.
This couldn't be further from the truth. If you work quickly, you may be able to achieve a far more preferable outcome than your dismissal from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Whether you pursue an appeal, direct negotiations with your school's Office of General Counsel, or even a lawsuit, there are things you can do to protect your reputation and your future.
The first thing to do? Retain the services of premier Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team. This team has years of experience supporting dental students all around the country as they fight to retain their student status and keep their professional future from harm.
Once you realize that your school is considering your dismissal, call 888.535.3686 to set up a consultation with the Lento Law Firm Team. Alternatively, fill out this brief form, and our team will be in contact with you shortly.
