An unprofessionalism allegation can cast your fledgling dentistry career in Salt Lake into a sea of doubt. Such accusations are particularly hair-raising because dentistry is not a field like landscaping, where a bit of “unprofessional” conduct can be overlooked. Any inkling that a dentist lacks the utmost integrity can be a knockout blow to their career.
The University of Utah School of Dentistry (UUSOD), while respected, is still finding its footing. With its first class enrolling in 2013, some decision-makers at the school may still feel that they have to go above and beyond to establish the institution’s bona fides—which could make them feel like they have to sanction students for misconduct harshly, in the name of protecting the university’s reputation.
You should plan for the worst and call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online for high-caliber representation.
What Does the University of Utah School of Dentistry Regard as Unprofessionalism (or Professional Misconduct)?
The School of Dentistry’s Student Handbook does not go into great detail about what behaviors constitute unprofessionalism. However, we know that virtually every dentistry program nationwide considers it unprofessional for a student to:
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Compromise patient safety in any way
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Violate patients’ right to confidentiality
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Disobey orders from superiors
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Engage in interpersonal interactions that might be deemed rude or otherwise disrespectful
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Engage in unsafe drug or alcohol use
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Exhibit any other behavior that calls into question the student’s fitness as a dentist
Dentistry students face intense scrutiny, and rightfully so. However, many misconduct allegations are shrouded in subjectivity, and we must highlight this fact during the defense process.
Alleged Unprofessionalism Is Always a Subjective Issue. Here’s Why That Matters to You.
You might think that, because schools like UUSOD have professionalism policies, alleged violations of those policies are objective matters. They are typically not, though, because:
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Even detailed professionalism policies often contain inherently subjective terms like “respectful” and “acceptable”
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Two rational people can view the same behavior in a dramatically different light
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The contention that someone has acted unprofessionally is, ultimately, an opinion rather than a fact
These factors mean you might be unjustly accused of unprofessionalism and ultimately subjected to severe sanctions. The silver lining, though, is that the inherent subjectivity of unprofessionalism allegations gives us a clear and strong path for your defense.
The Academic and Professionalism Review Committee (APRC) Makes Critical Judgment Calls When Students Are Deemed Unprofessional
The Student Handbook refers to the Academic and Professionalism Review Committee (APRC) throughout, suggesting that many professionalism-related concerns are funneled to this body.
In fact, the Handbook states explicitly that “if a student fails or receives an Incomplete (I) in a course and/or fails to uphold the codes of ethics, and/or demonstrates lapses in professionalism, the student will be presented to the Academic and Professionalism Review Committee (APRC).”
While the APRC’s decision-making process is not highlighted in detail, we can infer that:
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When a student exhibits behavior that a faculty member considers unprofessional, there is a significant likelihood that the APRC will become involved
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The APRC may handle cases that involve overt misconduct, but may also handle cases in which the students’ “unprofessional” conduct does not reach the threshold of a behavioral violation
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The APRC may recommend a remedy that is not overtly punitive, but can still be detrimental to the student—like remediation
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The APRC also “has access to a full range of disciplinary actions, including dismissal”
If your case is referred to the APRC, we will quickly determine your rights to participate in the adjudication process and appeal any adverse ruling that the APRC issues.
We do know that “an academic action may be overturned on appeal only if the academic action was arbitrary and capricious.” We may need to exercise your right to appeal such an action, and we will be ready to do so.
Dentistry Students Might Also Be Accused of a Behavior Standards Violation (and Evaluated Accordingly)
If decision-makers at the University of Utah believe unprofessional conduct qualifies as a Behavior Standards Violation, you may be subject to adjudication proceedings reserved for such violations.
The University of Utah’s Student Rights and Responsibilities policy explains that a student accused of a behavioral violation:
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May be granted the opportunity to accept responsibility and agree to an informal resolution, so long as the assigned Student Accountability Officer allows this opportunity (and that Officer ultimately agrees to the informal resolution)
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May also undergo a formal resolution process, which may involve a hearing (if you are facing a possible suspension or expulsion)
If you are not facing possible suspension or expulsion, the assigned Student Conduct Officer may issue their own finding of responsibility and recommendation of sanctions. That Officer also has the authority to find you not responsible and dismiss the case.
What Is the Punishment for Being Branded Unprofessional at UUSOD?
The sanctions you might face will depend on which adjudicative body handles your case. The range of possible outcomes might also depend on the perceived severity of the offense, whether the alleged offense has been repeated, and several other factors.
We must be prepared for you to face:
Remediation
The APRC’s responsibilities include making recommendations to the Associate Dean of Education for “academic action” and “regarding each student’s yearly promotion.”
This suggests that if the APRC deems your behavior insufficiently professional, it may recommend that you not be promoted. In such a case, you would likely have to remediate some portion of your coursework as a result of not being promoted.
Denial of a Degree
The UUSOD Student Handbook makes it clear that you cannot graduate until you “Receive a favorable vote…from the Academic and Professional Review Committee (APRC). If you have been accused of unresolved unprofessional conduct and the APRC agrees with that critique, you simply cannot receive your degree.
Suspension or Expulsion
The worst-case sanctions for someone in your circumstances are suspension or expulsion, which we will do everything in our power to spare you from.
A Host of Other Disciplinary or Non-Disciplinary Outcomes
Universities can impose a range of sanctions, varying in severity and impact on the student’s reputation and future. Our team will present you with a personalized strategy designed to mitigate harm, whether that means seeking the outright dismissal of the case or negotiating the best possible disciplinary agreement.
One thing is certain: You should not wait to retain our team, as these disciplinary processes tend to accelerate quickly. Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to get the trustworthy guidance you need and deserve.