Abstract: An optimization method of dressing a predetermined profile on the periphery of a grinding wheel of the type used in form grinding. A dresser is guided along a path corresponding to the predetermined grinding wheel profile in successive, identical cycles of motion. The grinding wheel is fed into the path in increments between cycles. The dresser contacts the periphery of the grinding wheel during movement along its path, with the duration of contact increasing in each cycle until the predetermined profile is produced. The duration of contact during each cycle is monitored. When the difference between the duration of contact in a given cycle and the duration of contact in the previous cycle is zero or negligible, dressing is complete. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.