Section 262.002 - Practice of Dental Hygiene(a) A person practices dental hygiene if the person: (1) removes accumulated matter, tartar, deposits, accretions, or stains, other than mottled enamel stains, from the natural and restored surface of exposed human teeth and restorations in the human mouth; (2) smoothes roughened root surfaces; (3) polishes exposed human teeth, restorations in the human mouth, or roughened root surfaces; (4) topically applies drugs to the surface tissues of the human mouth or the exposed surface of human teeth; (6) administers a local anesthetic agent under the authorization and supervision of a dentist in compliance with Section 258.001(5); and (7) performs any other service, task, or procedure prescribed by board rule. (b) A person legally practicing dental hygiene does not violate state law regulating the practice of dentistry.Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 868,Sec. 2, eff. 9/1/2023. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1999.