Data on dentists' choice of toothbrush brand/type for personal use and their recommendations for patients were obtained by means of a questionnaire. Seventy-nine per cent of dentists surveyed received free samples, with Oral-B comprising 33 per cent of all such samples, followed by Colgate (16 per cent) and Tek (13 per cent). Fifty-three per cent of dentists surveyed indicated they used all free samples received. Sixty-two per cent of dentists do not consider that different brushes differ significantly in their plaque-removing ability. Therefore, while an effective toothbrushing technique is important, selection of the 'correct toothbrush' from the wide range available may not be critical. The results of the present investigation provide information that is relevant to dental health education and can be applied at the chairside as well as at the broader community level.