Professionalism

It is the expectation of all students enrolled at the UTHSC to maintain the high ethical and professional standards of the various disciplines of the health professions. Failure to do so may subject a student to suspension or other appropriate remedial action by the University as outlined in CenterScope, Maintenance of Ethical and Professional Standards of the Health Professions.

Professional Standards

In order to create and maintain the best possible professional atmosphere at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, it is necessary that faculty and students adhere to standards of professionalism, courtesy, and ethics. Common courtesy and mutual respect are essential to enhance the educational experience, and to decrease stress and misunderstanding. Each faculty member should serve as a professional role model to students, and establish a positive rapport in all educational settings. Each student should recognize their responsibility in professional growth, and maintain an attitude that strengthens that development. Compliance with these standards is the moral obligation of all faculty and all students within the college:

1. Respect and courtesy are essential in dealing with patients, students, faculty, and staff.
2. Disagreement among faculty and/or students should be addressed in a private setting away from patient-care areas.
3. If a student’s clinical performance is clinically acceptable and approved by an instructor, future instructors working with the patient should respect the original approval.
4. Negative remarks should not be made in a patient’s presence, and significant negative criticism should be given in a private setting.
5. Adherence to proper clinical attire and dress code is mandatory.
6. Substance abuse will not be allowed in the College of Dentistry.
7. Promptness with adequate preparation for appointments and clinical assignments must be a priority of students and faculty.
8. The use of profanity in dealing with patients, faculty, students and staff will not be tolerated.
9. When patients cancel or break appointments, the appropriate faculty and staff must be notified promptly.
10. The evaluation (grade) given for procedures should be discussed at the time of grading, so that the student will understand any deficiency, and how they may improve future performance.
11. Faculty should promote confidence in students through positive reinforcement.
12. Patients should have full explanation of the process and procedures involved in their treatment. Patients must be informed of the risks and benefits incurred.

The College policy on professionalism, collegiality and student advocacy is available at http://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/administration/academic-affairs/index.php

In the event that a student believes that faculty or staff have engaged in unprofessional behavior inconsistent with the above standards or behavior that is incompatible with a positive and supportive learning environment, the student should follow the guidelines outlined in the UTHSC Policy on Preventing Student Mistreatment. This policy is available at https://policy.tennessee.edu/procedure/sa105-preventing-student-mistreatment/