The study found a diversity of previous dental services received and dental histories among the youth prior to entering the institution. Very few, however, had taken care of their dental health through regular visits to a dentist. The majority only went to a dentist when they had a toothache. Most chose not to go to dentists because of a dislike of the pain involved, an absence of symptoms, uncertainty about who would pay, an inability to schedule and keep appointments, and problems in accessing dental care in their communities. Regarding their perceptions of dental care in the institution, the youth were generally skeptical about the quality of dental services they would receive, believing the dentists could not be very good if they were working in an institution. The general attitude among the youth was that they would not go to the institution's dentists unless there was a clear emergency. Few of the youth had any firsthand experience of the institution's dental services. The long wait for treatment had discouraged some from even applying to see the dentist. The study findings highlight the need for institutions to examine the access to and quality of dental services they provide. They should also address the perspectives of dental care held by marginalized and vulnerable young offenders in order to change their attitudes and willingness to use institutional dental services. The attitudes and perspectives of 31 youth were solicited in 4 focus groups and analyzed for content by each researcher independently. 13 references