A pilot survey of oral health included 83 adolescent and adult Aborigines (41 M, 42 F, range 16--70 years, mean age 37.3 years), resident in fringe settlements around the far western New South Wales towns of Brewarrina and Walgett (fluoride in water less than or equal to 0.02--0.26 parts/10(6)). Dental caries prevalence (mean DIMFT per person) increased from 17.1 at 20 years to 10.7 at 35 years and declined to 14.6 by the age of 50 years and over. Oral hygiene (OHI) was poor overall and deteriorated with age. Periodontal status (PI) was significantly correlated with the presence of debris (DI) and calculus (CI). The mean PI increased from 1.7 at 20 years to 4.8 at 43 years and over. Tooth mortality reached 75% by the age of 43 years. Prosthetic needs were correspondingly high, but 95% of denture requirements were unmet. No evidence of effective or sustained oral health care was seen; 38% of subjects needed emergency treatment.