<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 10.44.23.03" title_num="10" subtitle_num="44" chapter_num="23" heading="Unprofessional or Dishonorable Conduct.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental radiation technologist may not engage in unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The following shall constitute unprofessional or dishonorable conduct in the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental radiation technology:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Misrepresenting the following to a patient or the public:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The description, chemical composition, or quality of the materials the licensee uses or intends to use; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Methods and techniques the licensee uses or intends to use;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Engaging in conduct which is unbecoming a member of the dental profession;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Representing that a dental procedure has been completed when in fact the procedure has not been completed;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Permitting or failing to prevent the placement or exposure of dental radiographs by an individual not certified or otherwise qualified to do so;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Committing an act of sexual misconduct as described in §C of this regulation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Performing a dental procedure without first obtaining informed consent from the patient or the patient’s legal representative;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Willfully and without legal justification, failing to cooperate with a lawful investigation conducted by the Board, which includes, but is not limited to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Furnishing information requested;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Complying with a subpoena;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Responding to a complaint at the request of the Board; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Providing meaningful and timely access to relevant patient records; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Committing any other unprofessional or dishonorable act or omission in the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental radiation technology.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Sexual misconduct of either a verbal or a physical nature shall include, but is not limited to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Sexual behavior with a patient in the context of a professional evaluation, treatment, procedure, or other service to the client or patient, regardless of the setting in which professional service is provided;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Sexual behavior with a patient under the pretext of diagnostic or therapeutic intent or benefit;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Requesting sexual favors of a patient;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Touching a patient in a sexual manner;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Therapeutically unnecessary discussion of sexual matters or other verbal conduct of a sexual nature while treating a patient;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Taking photographs or videotapes of a patient for sexual purposes;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Sexual behavior that would be considered unethical or unprofessional; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>The use of a drug on a patient for the purpose of sexual behavior.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Dentists.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In addition to the requirements stated in §§A—C of this regulation, a dentist shall comply with the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>It shall constitute unprofessional and dishonorable conduct for a dentist to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Self-prescribe prescription medications except that a dentist may self-prescribe when necessary to order prescription medications for dental office inventory for patient use only;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Prescribe prescription medications for individuals who are not legitimate patients;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Prescribe prescription medications to legitimate patients other than for therapeutic purposes;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Sell, prescribe, trade, give away, or administer a prescription drug for any illegal or illegitimate purpose;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Treat family members or staff differently than any other patient by:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Not maintaining accurate records of all treatment provided in accordance with COMAR 10.44.30, including financial records and records of all medication prescribed; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Not adhering to all record retention requirements in accordance with Health General Article, §4-403, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Fail to comply with the requirements of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program as established in Health-General Article, Title 21, Subtitle 2A, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 10.47.07.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Dental Hygienists. In addition to the requirements stated in §§A — C of this regulation, a dental hygienist shall comply with the Bylaws — Code of Ethics (for Dental Hygienists).</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>