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

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

(b) Administering, dispensing or prescribing a controlled substance scheduled in Title 50, chapter 32, MCA, other than in the course of legitimate or reputable professional practice.

(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, sterilization and laboratory areas, or operating under unsanitary conditions after a warning from the board.

(e) 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.

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

(g) Failing to supervise and monitor the actions of all dental auxiliaries and dental hygienists in regard to patient care.

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

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

(j) 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.

(k) 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 dentistry.

(l) 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.

(m) 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.

(n) 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.

(o) Failing to return a patient, if a specialist or consulting dentist, unless the patient expressly reveals a different preference, to the referring dentists, or if none, to the dentists of record for future care.

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

(q) Delegating to dental hygienists or dental auxiliaries any duties or responsibilities regarding patient care that cannot be delegated to dental hygienists or dental auxiliaries under 37-4-401, MCA, and board rules.

(r) Dentists shall be obliged when consulted in an emergency by patients not of record to make reasonable arrangements for emergency care. If treatment is provided, the dentist, upon completion of such treatment, is obliged to return the patient to his or her regular dentist unless the patient expressly reveals a different preference.

(s) Employing, supervising, or otherwise using more dental hygienists or dental auxiliaries than the dentist can reasonably supervise in keeping with the dentist's ethical and professional responsibilities.

(t) Failing to assure that the radiation source under the dentist's jurisdiction is used only by individuals competent to use it.

(u) 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.

(v) Knowingly suppressing, omitting, or concealing any material fact or law without which an advertisement would be deceptive or misleading.