A dentist is a profession that relies on public trust. Whether we go in for a routine cleaning or a root canal, we want to know that our dentist knows what they're doing, that they will treat us with respect, and that they'll maintain confidentiality about our health concerns.
Earning that trust begins in dental school. The University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry holds its students to the highest academic standards. The school's commitment doesn't end there, though. Students are also expected to master the elements of professionalism and ethics, to hold themselves accountable in terms of their personal conduct.
Keep in mind, though, that you're not a dentist yet. You're still a student. That's why they call it a dental “school.” You'll find most faculty and administrators at Adams understand this. While they have high expectations, they recognize that you're going to make mistakes. As a student, it's sort of your job.
Should you come across instructors who don't understand this, who hold you to standards that are simply too high, or who refuse to treat you fairly, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm understand the demands of dental school, and they're familiar with all the processes and procedures at the Adams School of Dentistry. They know exactly who to talk to when you have a problem and exactly what to say. If you're facing dismissal for any reason, you owe it to yourself to find out just what they can do for you.
Common Reasons for Dismissal
If you're facing dismissal from the Adams School of Dentistry, it's likely for one of two reasons. Either you're struggling to meet the school's academic requirements, or you've violated some aspect of the disciplinary policy.
- Academic Deficiencies: As a dental student, you're expected to perform to high standards both in the classroom and during clinical rotations. According to the Adams Academic Standing policy, you can be placed on Academic Probation for any failing grade, and should you find yourself on probation twice, you'll be dismissed from the program. Likewise, failing to follow clinic policies can get you suspended from the clinic, and that, too, can lead to dismissal. All academic standing decisions are in the hands of the school's Academic Performance Committee. This committee meets at the end of each term to evaluate all student progress, and it has the authority to require remediation and to issue sanctions, including probation, suspension, and dismissal.
- Misconduct: One low grade at the Adams School of Dentistry probably won't cost you your place in the program. One instance of misconduct, though, very well could. The school maintains a strict Code of Professional Conduct that emphasizes qualities like compassion, integrity, tolerance, and justice. In a concrete, practical sense, you can find yourself in serious trouble for anything from violating UNC rules to committing sexual harassment to mistreating a patient. In fact, even your personal conduct is under scrutiny. Violating state or federal law is treated as a serious offense. Something as minor as a DUI or an assault charge could get you dismissed, even if the events happen off-campus. Professionalism concerns are handled by the school's Professionalism Committee, which, like the Academic Performance Committee, has the power to issue sanctions, including probation, suspension, and dismissal.
The Adjudication Process at the Adams School of Dentistry
A mistake doesn't have to mean the end of your future as a dentist. Any time you are facing dismissal, you can and should defend yourself. How you go about doing that will depend on the specific nature of your offense.
- Academic Dismissals: You have a limited right to appeal academic dismissal to the Chair of the Adams School of Dentistry Administrative Board. Grounds for appeal include clerical errors, personal malice, arbitrariness, and discriminatory bias. However, you are not allowed to make your case at a hearing, and the Chair's decision is final.
- Misconduct Dismissals: If you're accused of a lapse in professionalism, you are entitled to a full investigation and to defend yourself at a hearing. Further, you have the right to full representation by an attorney. And, should you lose your hearing, you can appeal that determination in cases where new evidence is discovered or some procedural error occurs.
You should also be aware that you are subject to the same academic and disciplinary policies as any other student at the University of North Carolina. Things like cheating, plagiarism, public intoxication, and sexual harassment are all subject to the school's Code of Conduct. Any violation of university rules is dealt with through the university's Honor System Process.
No matter what kind of dismissal you may be facing, it's important you have the very best representation you can find. In most cases, an attorney from the Lento Law Firm can represent you at your hearing. Even when they can't, however, they can still play a vital role in helping you prepare your defense.
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 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 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 888-555-3686, or use our automated online form.
