In the 1960's, judges applied the eighth amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, to prevent not only the infliction of pain and suffering on inmates, but also to remedy the failure to relieve pain and restore function. According to Estelle v. Gamble, the eighth amendment is violated when correctional officials are 'deliberately indifferent' to an inmate's 'serious medical needs.' In the 11 years since 'Estelle,' two categories of 'deliberate indifference' have emerged: denied or unreasonably delayed access to a physician for diagnosis and treatment and failure to administer treatment prescribed by a physician. In Dean v. Coughlin, the court ruled that the inmates had been denied access to dental care 'on an institutional scale,' justifying a classwide court order. With an expanded dental clinic, additional staff, and new policies and procedures, the dental program at Bedford Hills has begun to address routine dental care and followup procedures as well as emergencies.