This paper collates the results of all the surveys conducted under the BASCD coordinated National Health Service surveys of caries prevalence conducted between 1985/86 and 1995/96. First the patterns of change in the dental health of 5-year-old children are considered for the period 1987-1995. Then the patterns of change in the dental health of adolescents between 1988-1994 are examined and summarised. Lastly summary tables present key data from the last 10 years of survey results grouped by variable.