The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the shear bond strength [SBS] of Syntac to dentin; to determine the quantitative microleakage (ML) of Class V preparations in dentin restored with the Syntac system; and to study resin penetration into the dentin tubules by SEM. The occlusal surfaces of 30 extracted human mandibular permanent first and second molars were ground wet on 600-grit SiC to expose the superficial dentin. The teeth were embedded in brass tooth cups with cold cure acrylic resin. The Syntac Primer and the Syntac Adhesive were applied to the demarcated bonding sites as recommended by the manufacturer. Radiopaque Heliomolar was transferred to the opening in a split teflon mold in three increments, each compressed firmly and cured for 40 seconds. Fifteen of the test specimens were disassembled 60 seconds after cure [A], and the remainder 15 min after cure and the latter specimens stored in saline at 37 degrees C for 24 hours [B]. A shear load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, the SBS calculated and expressed in MPa. The data were analyzed by a two-sample t-test. Class V cavities were prepared on the facial surfaces of 15 human premolars and restored. The ML was determined quantitatively by a spectrophotometric dye recovery method and expressed as microgram dye/restoration. The mean +/- SD of the SBS in MPa were: A: 10.14 +/- 2.80; B: 15.90 +/- 2.13 and the ML 2.57 +/- 0.97 microgram dye/restoration. The SBS recorded after 24 hours storage was significantly greater than after 1 minute (P < 0.0001). The bonding resin penetrated deeply into the dentin tubules.