On June 13-15, 1988, the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR), in conjunction with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Medical Applications of Research and the Food and Drug Administration, held a Consensus Development Conference on Dental Implants. More than 1,000 clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators attended the conference. A 12-member Consensus Development Panel formed the organization and administrative support for the conference and prepared a consensus statement that responds to five questions addressed by conference participants. The statement is printed here in its entirety for the edification of our readers. - W.R. Laney