What must occur for any delegated act to be legal?

For any delegated act to be legal in a dental practice, it is essential for the dentist to be physically present in the office during the procedure. This presence ensures that the dentist can supervise the activities of the dental assistant and maintain direct oversight of patient care. The legal framework surrounding dental delegation emphasizes the importance of direct supervision, allowing the dentist to evaluate the patient's condition and give immediate guidance or intervention if necessary.

This requirement supports patient safety and provides a clear delineation of responsibility in the dental care process. It reflects the accepted standards of practice in dentistry, where the dentist's role is crucial not only for diagnosis and treatment planning but also for directing the actions of their staff to ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations in patient care.

While other considerations, such as certification of the dental assistant and the reversible nature of certain procedures, may play a role in the broader context of dental assisting, they do not constitute a primary requirement for the legality of delegated acts as defined by regulations pertaining to supervision. Hence, the emphasis on the dentist's presence in the office is paramount for ensuring that delegation is executed within legal and professional standards.