Dentists are trusted members of the community and essential health care providers for millions of people across the country, helping people maintain healthy smiles and achieve optimal overall wellness. Because of the immense responsibility that comes with being a dentist or oral health care provider, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry has high professional and academic standards for its students.
Founded in 1878, UTHSC College of Dentistry is the third oldest public college of dentistry in the country. As such, it has a longstanding legacy of excellence and expects students to contribute to the school's mission of advancing oral health through education, innovative research, clinical care, and public service. While these requirements are admirable and help produce capable and knowledgeable dentists, sometimes students can have trouble keeping up and may find themselves facing harsh and potentially long-lasting consequences.
If you're struggling under the weight of your school's expectations and feel like you're being punished too harshly as a result, you're certainly not alone – and an experienced student advisor can help you fight back and make sure your side of the story gets told. First, let's take a look at the policies and procedures concerning academics and professionalism at UTHSC College of Dentistry – as well as what you can do next and how an advisor can help you keep your education and your future career on track.
Academic Standards at University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
Like most institutions, UTHSC College of Dentistry puts a lot of responsibility on students to help maintain their institution's legacy of success. To help students understand expectations, the school's policies and procedures are detailed in an online student handbook that is reviewed and updated annually. If a student fails to meet specified academic criteria, they will be notified of their pending dismissal by the dean or another university official. The student will also receive a notification outlining the appeal process and timeline.
If a student feels they have been graded incorrectly and are being punished unfairly as a result, they may submit an appeal. Reasons for appeals may include fighting a grade in a course or a consequence such as probation or dismissal. Appeals for the dismissals must be submitted within two days of receiving a dismissal letter. While the case is pending, the student may receive permission to continue attending classes and other university activities. Ultimately the dean will render the final decision – but if the outcome is unsatisfactory, the student retains the right to appeal to the chancellor for reinstatement.
Because the timeline for filing an appeal is often complex and accelerated, it can be a great burden to effectively argue your case, particularly if you're already overwhelmed by the possibility of being kicked out of dental school. Having an advisor on your side can help you achieve the most favorable outcome when going up against the dean or the chancellor. You know your university has a team of skilled legal experts on its side, so you shouldn't be expected to go it alone. Contacting an advisor to represent you in these proceedings is the only logical and fair way to proceed.
Maintaining Professional Standards
In addition to meeting rigorous academic standards, UTHSC College of Dentistry requires students to conduct themselves honorably as well. These tenets of behavior are outlined in the university's honor code, which students must read and sign during the new student orientation period. The honor code details how students must act with personal integrity and responsibility regarding examinations, laboratory work, and clinical work, with any kind of cheating, plagiarism, or other types of academic dishonesty expressly forbidden.
Students who are found to be in violation of the honor code will receive a notification from the school's Honor Council, which is composed of leaders from various areas of the institution. The student may first receive an informal notification stating that certain suspicious behaviors need to stop before a formal complaint is issued. At this point, you may face hearings to investigate alleged violations of the honor code, with consequences such as dismissal that may have a serious impact on your future. If you have been accused of violating the UTHSC College of Dentistry honor code, it is in your best interest to consult an advisor as soon as possible.
What Can an Attorney Do for You?
Dental school can be challenging, and there are many reasons you may find yourself struggling. Don't let a temporary setback put all your hard work to waste. When you're facing academic or disciplinary consequences at UTHSC College of Dentistry, working with a student advisor can be the difference that keeps you on the right track toward your dream of becoming a dentist. An advisor may help in the following cases and more:
- If there's a chance you may be dismissed from dental school, you need to contact an advisor immediately. You've spent a lot of time and effort getting this far in your education, and there's no reason you should throw in the towel now. Your school's policies and procedures can be complicated, so it is enormously beneficial to have someone on your side who knows the ropes and has defended many others in similar situations before.
- If you received a grade in a course or on a major assignment that you feel is unfair and you would like to submit an appeal, an advisor can help you prepare your case for the best chance of success.
- Your academic record is extremely important and will serve as a reflection of your competence throughout your professional life. Having a sub-par transcript can keep you from being able to pursue many professional opportunities. An advisor can help you polish your transcript, so you are always putting your best foot forward.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Student Defense Advisor
If you are a UTHSC College of Dentistry student facing possible dismissal or other consequences that may have a serious impact on your future education or career, you need to contact an experienced student advisor today. Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm specialize in helping dental students deal with academic concerns, claims of professional misconduct, and more. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 today or schedule a time online.
