Though you have volunteered to help patients realize healthy, beaming smiles, you should not take the same tack when you’re accused of academic misconduct at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (UTCoD). Because your reputation is at stake, we advise that you fight proposed discipline—or, at least, negotiate a favorable disciplinary agreement—with help from the LLF National Law Firm. 

Dentistry students are part of the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC). This means that you may be little more than a faceless name to the parties who oversee disciplinary cases across five other colleges. Without capable, personalized advocacy, the adjudicators of your case may impose hasty, devastating discipline without blinking.

Your future patients need you, and you owe it to yourself to fight for your reputation, your good name, and those you will serve during your career in dentistry. Whether you committed academic misconduct or not, you are entitled to the strongest defense you can find—look no further.

Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to complete your consultation.

The UT Health Science Center’s Honor Code Explicitly Prohibits Academic Misconduct by Dentistry Students

The entire student body within the UTHSC must abide by the Honor System, which includes an Honor Code. This Honor Code demands that students (including College of Dentistry students) “exhibit personal integrity and responsibility and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner with respect to”:

  • The classroom, including in examinations, oral reports, written reports, and the use of technology

  • The laboratory, including in completing individual and group assignments, reporting laboratory results, and recognizing contributions from other individuals and third parties

  • Clinical settings, including in attendance, handling of patient records, completion of reports, and patient care

Academic misconduct by a dentistry student can look similar to academic misconduct by any collegiate student. Receiving answers to an exam in advance of the examination, copying off another student, and plagiarism are among the most common types of academic misconduct—UTCoD students are not immune to these temptations.

A UT Dentistry student might also be accused of academic misconduct that takes a less traditional form. Their activities in clinical and laboratory settings can be closely scrutinized, and their conduct can contribute to allegations of academic wrongdoing.

Of course, allegations of academic misconduct are not always legitimate. Whether the charges against you hold water or not, the LLF National Law Firm will fight for your interests during disciplinary proceedings.

Cases of Alleged Misconduct Often Lead to the UTCoD Honor Court

No dentistry student should bury their head in the sand in the face of stressful allegations, as this can lead them to make rash decisions aimed at “just getting it over with.” If you’re not already aware, you want to know what follows an accusation of academic misconduct, and that is:

  • Dealings with the UTCoD Honor Council: Each college within the UT Health Science Center has its own Honor Council, which investigates (and typically adjudicates) allegations of academic misconduct.

  • An Honor Council investigation: UTHSC policy explains that a “signed complaint of one individual is sufficient to initiate an investigation of charge(s) against a student,” meaning an investigation is very likely if a complaint is filed against you.

  • The president of the Honor Council either dismisses the case or issues a Notice of Charge: If the investigator and president find probable cause to proceed with a charge against the student, they will file that Notice of Charge in writing.

  • The student either pleads guilty or appeals the charge: If the student accepts guilt, they also accept the penalty to be issued by the Dean. If they deny the charge, they can appeal through the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (UAPA), College Honor Court, or University Honor Court.

  • The student receives a hearing: No matter which of the three appeal options you choose, you will be entitled to a hearing. The hearing procedures will be specific to the appeal process you select, but you will be able to plead your case (and likely present witnesses and evidence) during your hearing.

  • You can appeal, if necessary: If you disagree with the ultimate ruling from the Dean, you can appeal to the university Chancellor within ten days of receiving the initial decision.

Your representative from the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team will advise you at every stage of this process. We will be prepared to lead any necessary appeal, but we often help students succeed in their defense before an appeal is required.

Sanctions UT Dentistry Students Might Face for Alleged Academic Violations

A finding of academic misconduct by a UT Dentistry student can result in a range of sanctions that include:

  • Probation

  • Suspension

  • Dismissal

  • “Any other action deemed appropriate by the dean of the college in which the violation occurred”

That phrase—“any other action deemed appropriate”—shows just how uncertain disciplinary proceedings are. We will fight, fight, and fight some more for you to avoid severe sanctions.

Keep in mind that these kinds of formal sanctions will not be the extent of the harm you face should you be disciplined.

With UTCoD’s Memphis-based campus being so close to the Mississippi River, it’s an apt metaphor. With a clean (or relatively unblemished) collegiate record, you remain the captain of your professional vessel, with all the engine power necessary to excel.

Should you suffer severe discipline, though, you may find yourself (and your career) up a creek without a paddle. You may be helpless to fight the strong current that takes your career in directions you never charted, including towards unfulfilling, low-paying positions—you might even sink to the bottom of the dentistry field.

The LLF National Law Firm takes disciplinary proceedings by the horns. We will create a personalized strategy that is tailor-made for you and the unique circumstances you face. Don’t face this critical juncture on your own.

Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry

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