(1)  For the purposes of implementing the provisions of 37-1-316, MCA, the board further defines "unprofessional conduct" for dental hygienists as follows: 

            (a)  Continuing to practice dental hygiene when the licensee's license has been suspended, revoked, or is not currently renewed.

            (b)  Administering, dispensing, or prescribing approved topical agents in violation of board rules.

            (c)  Having been convicted of violating a federal or state statute or rule regulating the possession, distribution, or use of a controlled substance scheduled in Title 50, chapter 32, MCA.

            (d)  Failure to maintain an office(s) in sanitary conditions consistent with current accepted sterilization and disinfection protocols for treatment rooms or sterilization and laboratory areas, or operating under unsanitary conditions after a warning from the board.

            (e)  Extracting teeth or performing dental treatment upon the written or verbal prescription of someone other than a licensed dentist.

            (f)  Obtaining a fee or other compensation, either directly or indirectly by the representation that a manifestly incurable disease, injury, or condition of a person can be cured.

            (g)  Testifying in court on a contingency witness-fee basis.

            (h)  Failing to supervise and monitor the actions of all dental auxiliaries and dental hygienists in regard to patient care which are in the direct employ of a hygienist.

            (i)  Violating the regulations concerning the administration of anesthesia.

            (j)  Failure to respond to correspondence from the board, or to comply with final orders of the board.

            (k)  Representing or recording as an oral prophylaxis, coronal polishing by itself, without an appropriately licensed dentist or licensed dental hygienist inspecting for and removing any supragingival and subgingival calculus and gingival irritants deemed necessary for removal by an appropriately licensed dentist or licensed dental hygienist.

            (l)  Commission of an act of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual exploitation by the licensee, whether or not related to the licensee's practice of dental hygiene.

            (m)  Failing to store, transport off the premises, and dispose of infectious wastes, as defined in 75-10-1003, MCA, in accordance with the requirements set forth in 75-10-1005, MCA.

            (n)  Failing to adhere to any bloodborne pathogen regulation as outlined in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation contained in 29 CFR 1910.1030, as amended and published in the Federal Register, volume 66, on January 18, 2001 beginning at page 5325, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

            (o)  Accepting or tendering "rebates" or "split fees," which are commissions paid to others for referral of business.

            (p) Failing to seek consultation with those licensees or other health care professionals who have special skills, knowledge, and experience whenever needed to safeguard the welfare of the patient.

            (q)  Failing to safeguard the confidentiality of patient records, failing to maintain patient records in a manner consistent with the protection of the welfare of the patient, and failure to provide any information or records, upon request of the patient, that will be beneficial for the future treatment of the patient.