Though it was established just over 20 years ago, the UNLV School of Dental Medicine has already developed a reputation for excellence. Part of this involves a commitment to community service. The only dental school in the state, the SDM serves over 70,000 patients every year. That includes a thriving pediatric clinic.
Given its reputation for meeting the needs of the community, you won't be surprised to learn that the SDM holds its students to the highest academic and professional standards. If you're already a student there, you know that first-hand.
High standards are important. You want to graduate from a school that's known for its rigor and discipline. Keep in mind, though, that you're still a student. Part of being a student is having the freedom to make mistakes as part of the learning process. Mistakes shouldn't jeopardize your future. For the most part, you'll find that faculty and administrators at UNLV's School of Dentistry understand this principle. You will occasionally come across those who don't, though.
When you do, the Lento Law Firm is here for you. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm are dedicated to the idea that a mistake or two shouldn't cost you your chance at a dental degree. They've spent their careers studying educational law and how schools like UNLV's SDM operate. They're ready to use what they know to protect your rights and keep your academic career on track.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
Most dismissals from dental school happen for one of two reasons: either you're not meeting academic expectations, or you've committed some type of misconduct.
- Academic Deficiencies: No one wants to go in for a filling, wondering whether or not their dentist is qualified. Your first responsibility, then, is to go to class, study hard, and meet all of the SDM academic criteria. To make sure you're doing this, the school maintains a strict Academic Standing policy. The most important requirement of this policy is that you earn a passing grade in all your coursework. That means a C or better. The SDM's Student Progress Committee (SPC) meets at the end of each semester to review every student's academic progress. This committee has the authority to mandate remediation or apply sanctions, including probation, suspension, and dismissal.
- Misconduct: Academic mistakes won't ordinarily put your future in jeopardy. One misconduct violation can, though. You're subject to the same rules about academic and campus conduct as any other UNLV student. In addition, though, the SDM expects you to abide by its standards of professional conduct. Misappropriation of supplies, mistreatment of patients, and any type of unprofessional behavior can result in suspension or dismissal. You can also be dismissed for violating state and federal laws, even if those violations have nothing to do with your academic or professional responsibilities. Misconduct is under the purview of the SDM's Honor Council. The Council primarily responds to complaints but has the power to assess and investigate any referrals and to issue sanctions as necessary.
The Adjudication Process at UNLV SDM
If you're facing dismissal, you have the right to defend yourself, whether this dismissal is related to academic performance or misconduct. How you go about doing that may depend on the specific type of dismissal you're facing.
- Academic Dismissals: You have the right to challenge a single grade or to appeal an SPC decision, including the appropriateness of a sanction. Appeals should be directed to the school's Academic Appeals Committee (AAC). As part of this process, you're allowed to defend yourself at a formal hearing, present evidence, and call witnesses to testify on your behalf.
- Misconduct Dismissals: Likewise, you have the right to a hearing if you've been charged with any form of misconduct. If you've been accused of violating UNLV policy, you're subject to the Office of Student Conduct, which conducts investigations and holds formal hearings. If your misconduct should become an issue for the SDM Honor Council, you are also entitled to defend yourself at a hearing.
In both academic and misconduct cases, the UNLV SDM gives you the right to select an advisor to help you prepare your case and to accompany you to all meetings and proceedings. That advisor cannot speak for you. However, they can offer advice throughout the process. Importantly, this advisor can be an attorney. That means someone from the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can be on hand to protect your rights and help you make decisions from the moment you're charged until your very last appeal is exhausted.
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 an attorney from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm was built to help students. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team knows 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 the Lento Law Firm can do for you. Contact the firm today at 888-535-3686, or use our automated online form.
