For students who can brave the upstate New York winters, the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is a fine pathway to a career in dentistry. For hard workers with the necessary skill, few barriers stand in the way of such a career after being admitted to UB—academic misconduct allegations are one of those barriers.

Let’s examine the allegations that qualify as misconduct at UB SDM, how the school handles such complaints, and how an attorney from the LLF National Law Firm will be your counselor (and the guardian of your right to due process) if such a complaint affects you.

Do not wait to call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online for a consultation about our valuable representation, which is built upon years of service to students aspiring to fulfilling careers, including in the dental industry.

What Constitutes Academic Misconduct at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine?

While dental students must use their credentials to access the handbook detailing many policies and procedures, the University at Buffalo Student Code of Conduct applies to those in the dental school. Some academic violations that might trigger formal disciplinary processes for dental students (even if only alleged) include:

  • Using artificial intelligence in an unauthorized manner (which can include writing academic work)
  • Using electronics during examinations
  • Plagiarism or fabrication (which might include research data, patient results, or other dentistry-related information)
  • Obtaining unauthorized access to testing materials
  • Sharing information about an examination with another student
  • Falsifying records
  • Misusing clinical materials
  • Unprofessional conduct

The list of potential offenses that might expose a UB dentistry student to allegations of academic misconduct is lengthy. Just know that, if you or your student is accused of such misconduct, your defense must immediately become your top priority.

How Does the School Investigate Allegations of Academic Misconduct?

The University at Buffalo Student Guide details the adjudication process for students accused of misconduct, including academic misconduct. There are two primary avenues for handling allegations of wrongdoing by students, which are:

The Student-Wide Judiciary

UB’s Student-Wide Judiciary process entails:

  • The filing of a misconduct report against a student
  • A complaint is drafted
  • The student is called to appear for a Student-Wide judiciary hearing
  • The student appears at the hearing (at which they can plead their case to the University Hearing Representative)
  • The University Hearing Representatives determine if the student should be deemed not responsible for the allegations, or if instead they should face sanctions for the alleged misconduct

Our Student Defense Team guides dental students through such hearings, which can also be the forum for negotiating a plea agreement with the Hearing Representative.

An Administrative Hearing

UB administrators lead the Administrative Hearing process, which is an alternative resolution process to the Student-Wide Judiciary pathway. The Administrative Hearing process will unfold in a similar manner to the Student-Wide Judiciary process, but with different parties conducting the hearing.

The UB Student Guide also notes that the Campus Living staff and UB Information Technology Office may handle cases involving residences and technology, respectively. Generally, though, academic misconduct issues are resolved through either the Student-Wide Judiciary or an Administrative Hearing.

Due Process is Imperative—Here Are Your Rights as a Student Facing an Academic Misconduct Allegation

The UB Student Code of Conduct states that “In any university disciplinary procedure, one of the highest priorities is to safeguard the student’s right to due process.” We must hold them accountable to this standard, as due process can be the difference between justice and injustice.

The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team ensures due process by:

  • Serving as the help that dental students are entitled to have, whether their case is resolved through the Student-Wide Judiciary or an Administrative Hearing
  • Insisting that all relevant evidence and witness testimony are heard
  • Ensuring that the adjudication process is free from bias, unnecessary expediency, and other threats to a fair and just outcome
  • Preventing the student from taking any actions that might compromise their defense, including but not limited to giving statements or accepting plea agreements under pressure

Our team is familiar with many schools’ adjudication procedures and has a strong understanding of UB SDM’s various means of adjudicating alleged academic misconduct. We will ensure that we have the latest information about these procedures so that we can exercise your right to due process to the fullest possible degree.

Potential Outcomes of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine’s Disciplinary Process

The potential sanctions dental students face can depend on:

  • Whether they have previously been found responsible for academic misconduct (or other forms of misconduct)
  • The specific allegations leveled against the student
  • The perceived severity of the transgression(s) the student is accused of
  • The effectiveness of the student’s defense
  • Various other factors that can influence the outcome of disciplinary proceedings

Students can sometimes mitigate sanctions by negotiating a favorable plea agreement. This is an option we can discuss with you if you are open to the possibility of accepting responsibility in exchange for a favorable disciplinary outcome.

Why UB Dental Students Should Want the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team on Their Side

A career in dentistry can be fulfilling, intellectually stimulating, and lucrative. It’s no wonder that you are pursuing a dental degree, and why you may be rightfully concerned about the damage a misconduct allegation can do to your reputation.

You should retain our Student Defense Team to fight for you because:

  • Our team has many years of experience representing students in misconduct cases
  • Universities know our firm and understand that we are relentless in our advocacy for students’ best interests
  • We are dynamic representatives who use a range of strategies and tactics to enact the resolutions our clients deserve

Our passion for student defense is apparent and well-documented. Do not wait to call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to complete your consultation.

University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

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