865 children in their first year of full-time education in the health are of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham were examined for dental fitness and treatment requirements. Seventy-six percent of the subjects examined required treatment for dental caries and the mean dmft was 4.85. Sixteen percent of erupted permanent first molars were carious. 404 children had marginal gingivitis. All the treatment required for gingivitis and 82% for caries could be carried out by dental auxiliaries. The need for preventive measures is discussed.