AIM: The purpose of this study was to test the validity and reliability of an Arabic translation and adaptation of the child oral-health-related quality of life questionnaire (CPQ(11-14)) in Saudi ArabiDESIGN: The modified questionnaire included two global ratings (oral health and oral-health-related well-being), and a battery of 36 questions in four domains (oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being and social well-being). The study population consisted of 174, 11-14-year-old children (65% healthy and 35% medically compromised). Clinical data on caries status and malocclusion were collected for 138 of the children, and 47 completed the questionnaire a second time. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in mean total scale scores between children with and without malocclusions (P < 0.05). Significant relationships were identified between caries status and oral symptoms subscale scores, and between malocclusion and total scale and social well-being subscale scores (P < 0.05). Correlation was highly significant between scale scores and global ratings (P < 0.01). Cronbach's alpha was 0.81 and the test-retest reliability was substantial (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). However, problems were encountered in Saudi Arabia regarding self-reporting of age, and the questionnaire was too long for many of the medically compromised patients. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire is valid and reliable for use in Saudi Arabia, although development of a shorter version is recommended.