An introductory cariology lecture providing an overview of the subject, studying resources and current epidemiological situation regarding dental caries. Cariology is responsible for the under- and postgraduate dental training in caries prevention, in restorative dentistry (with filling materials) and in endodontology. Other areas of cariology comprise, e.g. dental erosion, diet, developmental defects in teeth, saliva, oral health care products, and the microbiology and immunology of dental caries.