Dalhousie University's faculty of dentistry is temporarily closing its public dental clinic as part of its response to accusations that male students posted misogynistic messages online about their female peers.

The university in Halifax says it is contacting patients affected by the decision to close its clinic until Jan. 12.

It says the step is one of several measures being taken so that patients, students, faculty and staff are able to return to classes and clinics in a safe and supportive environment.

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University president Richard Florizone has said 13 men in the fourth-year of the dentistry program were members of a Facebook group where comments were posted.

To deal with the postings he has announced a restorative justice process, which is an informal and confidential resolution procedure that includes the parties involved.

The university says its dentistry faculty is working on a detailed plan for classes and the dental clinics for the remainder of the winter term.