The Dental Practicality Index (DPI) has been designed to describe on a clinical level, the 'practicality' of dental restorative treatment. Applicable to everyday clinical practice, the DPI also aims to assist the clinician in deciding when to seek advice and/or refer a patient for secondary or tertiary dental care. It is hoped that this tool will aid in the systematic assessment of dental restorative problems, enhance communication between collaborating practitioners and help to manage patient expectations before carrying out restorative treatment(s).