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Novel materials and cutting-edge technologies developed at the American Dental Association Dental Health Foundation Center of Excellence for Materials Science Research are discussed. Some of these materials have already entered mainstream clinical practice, others are undergoing clinical trials and some are still being developed. The search for better posterior restorative materials continues.

Extrapolations based on the history of the development of composites and an adhesion system for bonding dental resins and composites to hard tooth tissues can rightfully be the basis for strong optimism regarding future improvements in esthetic and conservative treatment modalities. Improved understanding of mechanisms of action and the clinical application steps common to current adhesion systems will certainly lead to improved oral healthcare.