As future dentists, dental students are joining a profession that has high expectations for its practitioners’ conduct and behavior. Dentists occupy a unique place in society, and ensuring that the general public trusts dentists is important.
The problem is that professionalism isn’t a simple concept, and students may find that they’re subjected to inconsistent expectations and overly harsh discipline. In many cases, disciplining students has nothing to do with protecting the integrity of the dental profession but can potentially deprive the public of qualified dentists.
Located in Alton, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) is the only dental school located in southern Illinois. The school draws students from around the region, including the St. Louis area.
Allegations of unprofessionalism can derail your dental career before it even begins. If you’re an SIU SDM dental student facing allegations of unprofessionalism, contact the Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
SIU SDM has full accreditation with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Part of the Southern Illinois University System, SIU SDM is located in Alton and affiliated with the system’s Edwardsville campus. Part of the St. Louis metro area, the school is unique for being the only dental school in Illinois located outside of the Chicago area.
SIU SDM doesn’t have a school-specific student code of conduct or code of professional conduct. Dental students are bound by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s (SIUE) Student Code of Conduct.
SIUE Student Code of Conduct
The SIUE lists the policies and expectations for all students enrolled in the university. It includes prohibited behaviors, an overview of the university’s disciplinary process, and potential disciplinary outcomes.
While the SIUE code doesn’t explicitly address professionalism, many of its requirements are similar to the ADA’s Code of Professional Conduct, which is binding for dentists. Understanding the similarities between these two codes can help prepare dental students to be dentists. Knowing how the two overlap can also help students appreciate why allegations of violating the code of conduct can be detrimental to their future careers.
Allegations of unprofessionalism and conduct violations not only risk a student’s reputation but also their future opportunities. Students may face suspension or expulsion. This is why student need to take such accusations seriously and not assume that the school or staff are on their side.
Students facing allegations of unprofessional conduct need an advocate. The Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm works with our clients to protect their education, their future, and their career.
SIEU Code of Conduct and Professionalism
The SIEU Student Code of Conduct and the ADA Code of Professional Conduct have many overlapping requirements. Even without mentioning professionalism, SIEU sets expectations for its students that are similar to the ethical and professional requirements for dentists.
For example, both SIEU and the ADA bar any actions or conduct that can cause harm to others. SIEU lists the following as acts of harm:
- Causing another person physical harm
- Putting someone in fear of imminent harm
- Engaging in unwanted bodily contact or physical touching
The school also has rules on alcohol use on campus and at university activities.
The ADA states that dentists have a professional responsibility to refrain from any actions that could cause patients or others harm. This includes not working on or with patients while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances.
Dentists are also expected to set an example in the workplace. This includes treating others with respect and not undermining professional relationships. The ADA recommends against personal relationships with patients.
Title IX governs how SIEU responds to reports of sexual harassment and misconduct on its campuses. SIEU’s policy requires consent and lists unwanted contact, assault, and harassment as prohibited forms of conduct.
A student accused of sexual misconduct under Title IX may face questions about their ability to meet the ADA’s Code of Professional Conduct. Alleged violations of SIEU’s alcohol and drug policy may raise questions about a dental student’s ability to provide professional, responsible care to their patients.
For dental students accused of misconduct, defending against these claims is vital.
SIEU Misconduct Procedures
SIEU outlines the process for alleged violations of the code of conduct. When a complaint is made against a dental student, a representative from the Dean of Students will conduct a preliminary investigation. If a complaint is based on intimidation or harassment of a protected class, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX Coordination will handle the investigation.
If an investigation finds sufficient evidence or information, the Student Conduct Administrator will notify the student of the charges filed against them. Students must respond by the deadline given. If they don’t, the school will resolve the charges without the student’s input.
Dental students can choose to admit to the charges, but they can and should respond to the charges. Responding to the allegations provides students with the opportunity to submit additional evidence as well as their version of events. They’ll also have an opportunity to defend themselves at a hearing.
If a student immediately admits to the charges, this leaves the determination of disciplinary action entirely in the hands of the Dean of Students or the dean’s representatives. Students have no opportunity to explain their side of events, present additional information, or otherwise defend themselves against the allegations.
One of the biggest issues with immediately agreeing with the charges is that it bans students from appealing. This means a student has to simply accept the outcome and disciplinary action, even if it’s overly severe.
With their future careers on the line, dental students need to take advantage of defending against all allegations. Such charges can have a serious and long-lasting impact on their education and career. The Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm works with our clients to respond to allegations and build a defense.
Protect Your Future
Being accused of code of conduct violations or unprofessional behavior can derail a dental student’s career before it’s begun. Such charges can damage a student’s reputation. They may find their future opportunities limited by allegations of unprofessional conduct. In severe cases, they may be dismissed from SIU SDM.
Expecting professional and ethical behavior from dentists is overall good. The problem is that these expectations can be vague. Dental students may be subjected to overly severe disciplinary action that’s disproportionate to their alleged actions. Expectations of conduct may be inconsistently applied.
You’ve worked too hard to have your career end before it begins. If you’re an SIU SDM dental student facing accusations of unprofessional conduct, you need an advocate on your side. Contact the Education Law Team at the LLF National Law Firm. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out an online form.