A nationwide dental survey was carried out in The Netherlands. One of the objectives of the study was to assess the objective and subjective need for cosmetic dentistry in the Dutch adult population. A stratified sample of 2784 dentate persons, aged 15 to 74 years, participated in the study. The esthetics of anterior teeth and bicuspids in upper and lower arches were assessed by the dental examiners as well as by the examinees. Analyses of the data showed that 15.8 to 62.6 percent of the people in the age-range form 15 to 74 years was in need for cosmetic dental care, according to the dental examiners. Based on the patient's opinion (subjective need) these percentages varied between 17.5 and 40.4 percent. The discrepancy between the objective and subjective assessment in the percentage of people in need for cosmetic dental care increased with age. The results indicate that there is a need for cosmetic (restorative) dentistry in The Netherlands.