A socio-dental study was conducted among an elderly population living at home. The dental status of the sample was generally poor; 74% were edentulous and only 10% of the full denture wearers had appliances which were clinically satisfactory. Nearly 60% of the subjects had pathological lesions of the oral mucosa, mainly associated with the wearing of dentures. Many of the subjects were handicapped either socially or functionally by their oral conditions; 40% had oral pain, 30% had difficulty chewing and 20% were embarrassed by their dentures dropping during social contact. Although 78% were assessed as needing treatment only 19% had tried to obtain it. Various reasons were mentioned for not obtaining dental treatment, including immobility, fear and prohibitive cost. Reasons for the present state of the dental health of the elderly are discussed.