Treatment needs for caries, periodontal disease and dentures were assessed in 194 handicapped persons attending three institutions for the handicapped in Cork, Ireland. Criteria and methods of assessment used were those employed in the recently completed National Survey of Childrens' Dental Health in Ireland, which were based on (WHO) Oral Health Surveys--Basic Methods. The need for extractions and complicated restorations was highest in older patients, whilst the removal of sub- and supragingival calculus was the most common periodontal treatment need. Treatment was completed for 130 patients by final year dental undergraduates or junior hospital staff (primary care), while the remaining 64 were treated by consultant staff (secondary care).