This article is the initial report of a 10-year study of all fixed prosthodontic treatment preformed in a specialist prosthodontic practice between January 1983 and December 1992. A set management protocol was maintained throughout the study. Three hundred forty-four patients who underwent 411 treatment episodes involving 768 crowns and 346 fixed partial dentures (786 abutments, 599 pontics) were recalled between July and December 1993. A classification system detailing outcome with well-defined parameters and including repair requriements was developed. This report limits discussion to the study parameters and patient profile. Of the total treatment episodes, 8.5% required some form of retreatment over the survey period. Of these, 5.5% involved prostheses that had failed, and 3.0% involved prostheses that had been repaired. Females sought fixed prosthodontic treatment more than males in a ratio of 2:1. Aesthetic considerations were the most common reasons for patients seeking crowns, while replacement of failed prostheses was the predominant reason for patients seeking fixed partial dentures.