The Dietary Reference Intakes, a set of nutrient reference standards developed for the United States and Canada by the Institute of Medicine, provide tools for dietary assessment and planning for individuals and groups. Because a distribution of requirements is provided for most nutrients, it is possible to estimate a probability of nutrient inadequacy for an individual's usual intake, and the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy among the intakes of a group of people. The availability of a Tolerable Upper Intake Level for many nutrients also allows an evaluation of the risk of excessive intakes. However, some of these new applications are complex, and their implementation would be facilitated by better training aids and improved computer software. These new tools would help registered dietitians become more familiar with the appropriate applications of the Dietary Reference Intakes in the Nutrition Care Process, and better recognize both the benefits and challenges associated with their use. Ultimately, use of more comprehensive methods of assessing and planning nutrient intakes has the potential to further enhance recognition of registered dietitians' essential roles in nutrition care.