As Minnesota's only school of dentistry, the University of Minnesota SOD educates 73 percent of the state's practicing dentists and 68 percent of licensed dental therapists. That's an enormous responsibility, and one UMSOD takes seriously.
How seriously? Like any healthcare graduate student, you're held to the highest standards of academic achievement. You're expected to be an expert in your field by the time you graduate. You aren't just held to high academic standards, though. Your personal and professional behavior is under constant scrutiny as well, and you can find yourself facing dismissal for even small infractions.
Of course, high standards are important. We all want to know our dentists are fully prepared when we go in for a filling. Sometimes though, an instructor or an administrator has unreasonable expectations. When that happens, you turn to attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team. They know how hard you work, and they understand that as a student, you're going to make mistakes along the way. They're committed to the proposition that those mistakes shouldn't stand in the way of your success. They know the UMSOD system, and they know how to use it to your benefit. If you're facing the prospect of dismissal for any reason, you owe it to yourself to find out what they can do for you.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
If someone has mentioned the possibility of dismissal to you, it's probably for one of two reasons: academic deficiencies or professional misconduct. A UM School of Dentistry Progression Sub-Committee reviews your work in both areas at the end of each semester and makes recommendations about whether or not you should move forward in the program.
- Academic Deficiencies: First, you must meet all the school's expectations when it comes to academic progress. Generally speaking, that means maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA. In practice, you must pass all of your courses for a year in order to move forward to the next year. “Passing” is defined as a C- or above. Anything else requires remediation, and that can hold you back for a semester or a year. In addition to remediation, the committee has the power to issue sanctions for lack of academic progress. Those sanctions include Probation, Suspension, and outright Dismissal.
- Professional Misconduct: While academics are crucial to your success, a low grade here or there probably won't ruin your professional future. Professional misconduct, on the other hand, is often grounds for permanent expulsion. UMSOD expects you to abide by both the University of Minnesota Code of Conduct and its own School of Dentistry Code of Conduct. The former holds you accountable for general campus behavior like trespassing, theft, and disorderly conduct. The latter requires you to treat patients with respect, learn to communicate effectively with colleagues, and practice patient confidentiality.
You should keep in mind as well that your personal behaviors can be grounds for a sanction. Criminal convictions, for example, can get you dismissed, whether your actions took place on-campus, off-campus, or even in an entirely other state.
The Adjudication Process at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
No matter what type of dismissal you may be facing, there are clear processes and procedures in place that allow you to defend yourself. Those processes and procedures will vary, though, depending on your specific situation.
- Academic Dismissals: If you're struggling to earn high enough grades, you are subject to the school's Academic Due Process. Essentially, you can appeal up the school's chain of command, arguing your case to the course director, the Division Director, the Department Chairperson, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Failing that, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Student Affairs Sub-committee. As part of this appeal, you may make your case at a hearing. Importantly, you may bring an advisor to this hearing, and this advisor may be an attorney.
- Professional Misconduct Dismissals: Allegations of professional misconduct are immediately eligible for a Student Affairs appeal. Again, you have the right to present your full case, including evidence and witness testimony, and you have the right to cross-examine any witnesses against you.
- University Misconduct: University misconduct is handled by the university's Conduct Code Coordinator. Most aspects of hearings, though, are the same as in SOD cases, including your right to choose an attorney to help you prepare your case and accompany you to the hearing.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, because sexually-based offenses are usually subject to federal law (Title IX), which includes specific investigation and adjudication guidelines, these cases can sometimes present unique challenges. For example, you and the Complainant are allowed to cross-examine one another. For the most part, however, hearings follow the same basic procedures used in other types of dismissal cases.
It doesn't matter what type of dismissal you're facing: Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help you navigate the system. They know how all the judicial procedures at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry work. They're also well-versed in education law. They know your rights and are committed to making sure you're treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
Fighting for Your Future
Make no mistake: if you're facing dismissal, everything is on the line. You've worked for many years to get to this point. You earned an undergraduate degree; you spent hours studying for the Dental Admissions Test; you filled out applications, convinced referees to write on your behalf, and sat through difficult interviews. You've also put in the work since you were admitted to dental school: long hours of studying and even longer hours of clinical work. Expulsion means all of that work comes to nothing. It means trying to find an entirely new career. It means having to pay back any student loans you've accumulated without a dental degree to help you do it.
You don't want to go into this situation alone. Not only is everything at stake, but if your school is considering dismissal, it's already actively working against you. You need someone who's on your side, who has your best interests at heart, and who is willing to fight for those interests. You want Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. Joseph D. Lento and his team know the law as it applies to education. They also know how campus judicial systems work. They're highly experienced with all aspects of investigation, adjudication, and appeals processes and have helped hundreds of students just like you get the justice they deserve.
If you're facing disciplinary action, don't wait to see what might happen. Find out exactly what Joseph D. Lento and his team can do for you. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
