Objectives The aims of this study were to establish normative age-gender values for the UK oral health related quality of life measure (OHQoL-UK©) in Britain and to provide a local reference for its interpretation. In addition, to identify key factors associated with oral health related quality of life in the UK. Materials and methods A national survey conducted with the assistance of the Office for National Statistics involving a random probability sample of 2,718 households. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status. The impact of oral health on quality of life was measured using the 16 item OHQoL-UK measure. Results The response rate was 68% (1,838/2,718). The majority (75%, 1,378/1,838) perceived their oral health as affecting their life quality and did so across a wide range of domains. Age-gender norm values are presented. Variations in OHQoL-UK scores were apparent in relation to socio-demographics: age (P < 0.05), social class (P < 0.01), and self-reported oral health status: number of teeth possessed (P < 0.01). Conclusions The impact of oral health on the life quality of Britons was substantial, in both positive and negative ways and associated with socio-demographic and oral health (self-reported) factors. National norm values presented should provide a reference source for meaningful interpretation of similar data and local studies.Despite the dramatic improvements in oral health over the past few decades, oral diseases remain relatively prevalent compared with other disease states. 1 Symptoms that arise from oral disease, such as toothache, are among the most common health problems and a large number of school and work days are lost due to oral health problems and/or their treatments. 2,3 Increasingly too, the public's attitudes and behaviours towards oral health are changing, with a greater emphasis on retaining natural teeth and obtaining an aesthetic and functional dentition. 4 This has resulted in increased demands for cosmetic and private dental care. 5 Essentially, although oral health states are rarely fatal or their treatments potentially 'life saving' they can have a considerable physical, social and psychological impact and ultimately affect the day to day living and life quality of individuals and the public. 6 Over the past decade there has been an explosion of interest in conceptualizing, developing and assessing the impact of oral heath on life quality. 7 Two things are required in order to measure the impact of oral health on life quality in clinical practice and research. 8 The first is a valid and reliable instrument; evidence supporting a measure's validity, reliability, acceptability, discriminatory power and sensitivity on a wide variety of patient groups so that it can be used as assessment or outcome tool.The second is a norm reference for the population studied. Oral health related quality of life is relative rather than absolute and the results of any oral health related quality of life measurement need to be interpreted in the light of what is 'normal' for...