Past Indiscretion and secondary apps.

[SoontobeDDS]

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This is my first post. Hello. I apologize for the long post but I only have a few question. I stumbled across this site and felt like asking other who maybe have been in my shoes.

I've recently been admitted to a dental school (I won't mention the name). In its secondary application the schools asks: Have you have every been arrested? I'm finding myself with a dillema. Over a decade ago I was charged for illegal possesion of a narcotic (long story short, the drug wasn't mine but it was found in my car...hanging out with the wrong crowd). I was arrested, pled guilty and was released.

I'm not sure if I need to mention this because it's been so long ago. The court's record are no longer visible. I'm sure the arrest record is still there, but I don't think is easy to get to given the amount of time that's lapsed since the event happened. I'm afraid that if I mention it, my admittance into the program will be revoked. Has anybody walked in my shoes? I'm sure someone out there came across a question like this and perhaps had some past history to report...What did you do? Did you mention it? Also, do schools do background check on their studetns to check them out? Do they take fingerprints of their students? Please help me out guys and gals. Also, for those out there ready to throw stones, spare me all the high and mighty--like I said, it was over a decade ago. I'm only interested in genuine advice.

 

[crazy_sherm]

They usually do a background check when you apply. That's what a large chunk of the secondary application fee goes toward. If it's not a felony, you should be ok, though it will show up come licensing time along with any speeding tickets and other minor infractions.

 

[SoontobeDDS]

They usually do a background check when you apply. That's what a large chunk of the secondary application fee goes toward. If it's not a felony, you should be ok, though it will show up come licensing time along with any speeding tickets and other minor infractions.

Do you think it is wise not to mention it then? Or should I mention it? It wasn't a felony---no where close to that. If my memory serves me correctly, I was given an choice by the judge: plead guilty, receive a misdeneanor, and go home or have a court appointed attorney represent you. I was 18, really dumb, sort of upset at the whole ordeal, and chose to plead guily and have the opportunity to go home. Never thought it would come back to haunt me. I'm just really scared that it will affect my admission to the school. The secondary allows room to explain the situation, but I still wondering whether I should mention it or not.


This may be a premature question, but do you think it will affect me from becoming licensed in 4 years.

 

[drhobie7]

This may be a premature question, but do you think it will affect me from becoming licensed in 4 years.

It may. If you fail to disclose it on your dental license application you will probably be denied a license because they will most likely find out. No easy answer. You take a risk either way at this stage.

 

[aphistis]

Anything involving narcotics has the potential to become messy legally. You'd be better off consulting an attorney than asking what anyone here things.

 

[Yah-E]

If you've already been accepted to a dental school and want to complete another application for another dental school, just put the damn incident down. It was over 10 years ago for gods sake. No need to waste your money and time to consult with an attorney.

No one likes to list their dumb mistakes over and over, and believe me, this won't be the last time an application will ask you "have you have been arrested for felony or misdemeanor aside from traffic violations?" When you apply for a state dental license or Post-doctoral residency, the question will come up again.

Better to be safe than sorry or to protect your image by not informing.

Put the damn incident down and it's as easy as that.

 

[Dutchboy]

If you've already been accepted to a dental school and want to complete another application for another dental school, just put the damn incident down. It was over 10 years ago for gods sake. No need to waste your money and time to consult with an attorney.

No one likes to list their dumb mistakes over and over, and believe me, this won't be the last time an application will ask you "have you have been arrested for felony or misdemeanor aside from traffic violations?" When you apply for a state dental license or Post-doctoral residency, the question will come up again.

Better to be safe than sorry or to protect your image by not informing.

Put the damn incident down and it's as easy as that.

I agree. When they run the background check and it doesn't match what you are telling them they will not be happy. List the charge and explain it, just like you have explained it to us.

 

[Hardbody]

Do you think it is wise not to mention it then? Or should I mention it? It wasn't a felony---no where close to that. If my memory serves me correctly, I was given an choice by the judge: plead guilty, receive a misdeneanor, and go home or have a court appointed attorney represent you. I was 18, really dumb, sort of upset at the whole ordeal, and chose to plead guily and have the opportunity to go home. Never thought it would come back to haunt me. I'm just really scared that it will affect my admission to the school. The secondary allows room to explain the situation, but I still wondering whether I should mention it or not.


This may be a premature question, but do you think it will affect me from becoming licensed in 4 years.

You pled guilty? In some states it is illegal to ask about arrest record (hence the belief innocent until proven guilty), but if you have a conviction you may want to shell the greenbacks out for legal advice. Good luck with it

 

[MALOKINMARTIN]

They can and will know your record. My friend had a similar situation. First things first, look at the question. Do they actually ask if you have been arrested? Wording is important here. I had a friend who became a PA who was able to get around this because they didn’t specifically phrase it in the right manner.

After a period of 5 (?) years for a non felony and 10(?) years for a felony you can petition the courts to have it dropped from your permanent record.

I think you are a little confused in that your record does not get wiped clean automatically. Your record will always appear the same to a police person looking at your record or someone who requests a professional background search UNLESS you pay a lawyer to assist you in getting it wiped clean (after time limits).

 

[ShawnOne]

You need to check your state laws, but usually you can apply for expungement after you complete the probationary period. After expungement has been granted, you need not disclose your conviction (except for a few instances like state licensure or state lottery purposes). I'd check with an attorney, preferably one thats family or close friend who wont charge you...

 

[Dr. Pedo]

There is absolutely no way to get around this issue. If narcotics were involved this COULD be bad news; especially for a dental and DEA license. You need to consult an attorney, period. The "this just needs to go away" or "this was a decade ago" attitude is not a smart stance. Don't leave your future to a guess. The background checks done by the state dental license board and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are second-to-none and extremely thorough------it would be ridiculous to think something would go unnoticed.

It is a dead given if you lie on any application, get caught, and subsequently found to be fraudulent---your career could and will be at stake. DON'T be silly, confront the issue, investigate your options and make sure you look at all angles. Don't forget to also think about private practice issues as well. Getting a loan from a bank for $500K are other situations you'll encounter, obviously they will be doing a thorough background check, not to mention any hospital you may be wanting rights to (GPR, Pediatric dentist, Oral surgeon, etc...) This issue as a doctor will never go away, you will be asked countless times and I have parents ask blatantly if the person treating their child has ever been convicted of a crime. It is public knowledge and the public as the right to know.

Just be smart----if it is a misdemeanor, you've paid your dues to society, you've learned from your mistake; no reason to let this incident ruin your life----lie about it and you're opening the portal.

 

[dentalman]

Caught lying = automatic dismissal.

Telling the truth = nothing to hide. Most likely after hearing the story, they will understand. But if not, better to get kicked out with no debt than with $100,000 debt. Trust me, that is not a gamble you want to take.

I would investigate whether this will affect your DEA license and regular license (I have no clue, whatsoever).

 

[moonlight123]

interesting question, so what are you going to do ??? Good luck to you!!! My friend is used to be in the similar situation, but don't know what's he's going to do since haven't talk to him for awhile