California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 1954

(a) It is unprofessional conduct for a person licensed under this article to perform, or hold himself or herself out as able to perform, professional services beyond the scope of his or her license and field of competence, as established by his or her education, experience, and training. This includes, but is not limited to, using an instrument or device in a manner that is not in accordance with the customary standards and practices of the dental hygiene profession.

(b) This section shall not apply to research conducted by accredited dental schools or dental hygiene schools, or to research conducted pursuant to an investigational device exemption issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration.