The quality of clinical records obtained during the various stages of complete denture construction was assessed in a survey conducted in five large dental laboratories in 1989. The most common fault in approximately half of 188 upper and 158 lower impressions was overextension in the labial and buccal sulci. Of the 87 occlusal records examined, the rims indicated the intended incisal relationship in about 50% of cases. The border of the eventual denture was defined by the technician rather than by the dentist in most instances. The post-dam was prescribed by the dentist in only 16% of the 50 trial dentures inspected. It is argued that a major cause of the lack of prescription is the level of the NHS fee, coupled with the fact that the laboratory expenses are deducted from that fee.