This article is an adapted translation in Dutch of an editorial paper in the journal Gerodontology. The editorial paper describes the report ‘Oral healthcare for older people: 2020 vision’. The report was prompted by concern that the planning of future dental services has not yet taken account of major changes that are going on in the UK population. The report’s vision for 2020 is discussed in light of the Dutch situation and considered to be applicable to the changing needs in The Netherlands as well.