The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (OSU Dentistry) is a public dental school established in 1914 in Columbus, Ohio. OSU Dentistry is part of the Ohio State University Complex. It is the only state-funded dental school in the state. Besides this recognition, it is one of the four largest dental schools in the nation, with nine academic divisions representing the full spectrum of primary dental specialties. OSU Dentistry offers a D.D.S. degree and specialty training and advancement programs. If you are a dental student at this institution, you can look forward to numerous career opportunities upon graduation. However, to remain enrolled and benefit fully from the program, you must avoid dismissal and making egregious mistakes that can upend your future.
Dismissal, whether permanent or temporary, has significant drawbacks for you as a dental student. An expulsion remains on your permanent record, making finding another dental school willing to accept your application difficult. Besides this, dismissal leads to reputation damage that follows you beyond your college years, leading to issues when applying for jobs. With all the stress you already manage as a student, making a mistake that costs you your future has disastrous implications for your personal and professional life. If you face a suspension or expulsion from OSU Dentistry, you don't have to tackle the issue alone. Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team are by your side when you face sanctions that can upend your future.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Dismissal from dental school is not an overnight decision that dental school panels take lightly. It is usually the result of a severe violation. Some reasons for dismissal include a chronic lack of academic progress and the inability to keep up with your peers. Other examples include behavioral or ethical issues that go against the principles of your future position of public trust. Finally, dismissal can be due to multiple infarctions and behavioral or misconduct issues that go against the code of conduct. Regardless of the reason, dismissal wreaks havoc on your future and limits your academic and professional prospects. Finding another dental school and gaining acceptance with expulsion on your permanent record may be difficult. Moreover, once you want to apply for jobs, if you find another program, your supervisors will review your academic record. They may ask questions that lead to difficulties in finding a job.
Adjudication Process at OSU
Any member of the OSU community may file a Student Conduct complaint if they suspect you committed a violation. According to the Student Conduct Process on OSU's website, the school will contact the student once it receives a complaint. OSU assigns a hearing officer for each complaint, and they set up a meeting with the student to discuss the details of the allegation before setting up a hearing with the University Conduct Board. During the hearing, you will present your evidence to the panel. On a positive note, you may have an external advisor present if this happens.
Although the advisor may not participate directly in the proceedings, they can still pass notes and help you during the hearing and behind the scenes. However, only you, as the student, may represent yourself. This self-representation doesn't mean you still cannot benefit from the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. The school has a separate page on the website that contains more detailed information on advisors and how they can help you during the hearing. Once the panel hears your case, they decide on an appropriate sanction and inform you once the hearing ends. As per the code, dismissals and suspensions will appear on your transcript.
Appeals
Fortunately, you can appeal the hearing panel's decision after you receive word of the hearing's result. OSU Dentistry also encourages students to work with an advisor during this process to help them if they receive a life-altering sanction such as a dismissal. Appeals are permissible, but only if they fall under the following grounds:
- Discovering a procedural error resulting in material harm to the student by preventing them from having a fair hearing
- The discovery of new evidence unavailable during the time of the hearing and which may have resulted in a different outcome or affected the hearing body
- The sanction is grossly disproportionate to the violations committed by the student
To submit an appeals request, you must use the online form listed on the OSU website and send it within five business days of receiving the hearing decision. Although an appeal does not guarantee that OSU will not instate the sanction, it is an opportunity to have your case undergo another review before you face dismissal.
Hiring an Attorney-Advisor
As a dental student, you have multiple responsibilities besides your college courses. Due to the immense pressure to succeed, lapses in judgment or mistakes will likely happen. Although your supervisors understand that these errors are part of the learning process, some mistakes are costlier than others. During this time, you need the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. With their experience dealing with dental student dismissal cases nationwide, the team is by your side regardless of the charges.
With the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Lento and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team, you don't have to worry about how to approach the hearing. Whether you prefer to use their experience behind the scenes or want them to join you during the hearing, having them by your side can make all the difference in your case outcome.
You worked hard to become a dental student; perhaps your graduation is a few semesters away. Don't let a mistake be the end of your passion and future career as a dentist.
If you or someone you care for faces allegations of misconduct, unethical behavior, or lack of academic progress, there is help. Call Attorney-Advisor Lento and Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today online or call 888-535-3686 for guidance on your case.
