The purpose of WAC 246-817-501 through 246-817-570 is to establish guidelines on delegation of duties to persons who are not licensed to practice dentistry. The dental laws of Washington state authorized the delegation of certain duties to nondentist personnel and prohibit the delegation of certain other duties. By statute, the duties that may be delegated to a person not licensed to practice dentistry may be performed only under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The degree of supervision required to assure that treatment is appropriate and does not jeopardize the systemic or oral health of the patient varies with, among other considerations, the nature of the procedure and the qualifications of the person to whom the duty is delegated. The dentist is ultimately responsible for the services performed in his/her office and this responsibility cannot be delegated. In order to protect the health and well-being of the people of this state, the DQAC finds it necessary to adopt the following definitions and regulations.