An octogenarian dentist who let a cat roam through his examination rooms has voluntarily surrendered his license and agreed he will never practice dentistry in Washington.

Henry G. Kolsrud, 82, also faced an investigation of his office in early 2005 by the Health Department that revealed unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The Associated Press reports that the allegations involve a huge list - dental instruments were not sterilized between use; staff was inadequately trained; a cat was allowed to roam in examination rooms; cat food was kept in the same refrigerator as dental supplies and Kolsrud "scooped up feline feces and vomit with a spatula normally used for mixing dental impression fabrication material."

In May 2005, the state Department of Social and Health Services terminated Kolsrud's contract to provide Medicaid care to his low-income patients.

The elderly dentist, who had practiced dentistry since 1953, in March signed a Health Department order agreeing to surrender his license.