Direct statistical evidence of the value of routine, periodic dental examination and treatment is lacking and inferences can only be drawn from surveys of population samples and groups of people. Except perhaps in areas of exceptionally favourable dentist: population ratios the restorative philosophy makes too high a demand on scarce professional resources for it to answer the treatment needs of populations. However, it was originally developed to benefit individual patients who sought dental care and the evidence at present suggests that it may postpone the loss of teeth. It is hypothesized that the restorative philosophy is palliative rather than remedial.