Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) is the component of health-related 
quality of life that relates to the effects of oral diseases and dental 
interventions on patients. This article describes why OHRQOL is important and 
how it is measured. The conceptual basis for OHRQOL is discussed. A 
four-dimensional structure consisting of Oral Function, Orofacial Pain, 
Orofacial Appearance and Psychosocial Impact as the OHRQOL dimensions has 
emerged as psychometrically sound and clinically intuitive. Consequently, when 
the impact of oral diseases or the effects of dental interventions are measured, 
four dimension scores capturing these attributes need to be used.