It is known that the (micro-) structure of a substrate surface is of major influence on the growth behaviour of adherent cells. In the current study, we aimed to produce a surface that exactly mimics the structure of natural dentin, and to describe the effect of this surface on the growth behaviour of primary periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) or gingival fibroblasts (GF). First, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and morphometric techniques to analyse the porous dentin structure. Then, using a template made by photolithographic techniques, cell culture dishes with similar surface structure were made. On these dishes, and on smooth controls, primary PDLF and GF were seeded and assayed up to 14 days for proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and collagen content. Also, cell morphology was observed with SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that GF showed significantly less ALP activity than PDLF. Abundant collagen fibres were only formed by GF grown on the textured surfaces. SEM assessment showed equal spreading of both cell types on smooth and textured surfaces. TEM showed a preferential deposition of ECM material in the texture porosity. From our study we can conclude that dentin-like surfaces have no negative effect on either cell type, and could be used to enhance extracellular matrix deposition in GF formation. However, considerable differences were observed between primary cells from different animals. Therefore, final efficacy of the surfaces remains to be proven in implantation experiments.