A one-page dental screening report form was used to collect data from women detainees entering the corrections system at Rikers Island. During the 4-month exam period, a total of 4,300 intake medical examinations were performed. Two hundred of these patients were offered dental screening examinations and the interview prescribed in the screening form. A total of 183 women agreed to participate in the interview and the oral examination. Compared with employed women, the detained women were much less likely to have received any dental care. Women detainees were likely to report that their last dental treatment was for a tooth extraction, and they did not routinely receive preventive services. Study results show that these women detained by the Department of Corrections in New York City had a high oral need as well as substandard use of dental services. This study and the previous studies in male populations confirm that imprisoned males and females require access to dental care, particularly to address existing oral problems. In the absence of access to comprehensive dental services in correctional facilities, the availability of dental care must be made known to those incarcerated, at least to alleviate their oral pain. Triage protocols should be established that provide patients presenting with dental complaints timely access to dental care. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 16 references