The purpose of the present work was to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of a public dental program for old-age pensioners. The dental care program offered free consultation and treatment at reduced prices to all pensioners (3072) in a municipality near Oslo in 1979. To study treatment need and access to dental care, a random sample of 430 pensioners was drawn from the total population of old-age pensioners; 371 persons were clinically examined. Of the 3072 old-age pensioners 23.7% responded positively and indicated that they were interested in the program, whereas 19.8% accepted, and 14.6% had the treatment carried out. The program adequacy was low and became lower when more restricted criteria for access to dental services were used. The program effectiveness was 18% or 16%, depending on which criteria were used for access. Acceptance of the program was highest among people who were aware of it, had natural teeth, had a dental problem, did not have their own dentist, had limited education, or were among the young pensioners.