OBJECTIVE To evaluate the shear bond strength of resin-based composite to dentin and enamel using three adhesive systems, two of them containing self-etchant primers. Wettability (contact angle measurements) of the primers of these three adhesive systems was also evaluated on superficial and deep dentin. METHODS Contact angle measurements were performed on 30 caries-free extracted human third molars; specimens were sectioned parallel to the occlusal surface to expose superficial and deep dentin. Dentin was ground flat (600-grit SiC) under water to provide uniform surfaces. Contact angle measurements were performed to assess wettability using the Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis technique. In order to test the enamel bond strength, 30 extracted bovine incisors were embedded in acrylic resin and ground flat to 800-grit. The adhesives and composite resins were applied following the manufacturers' instructions. All the specimens were stored in water for 24 hrs at 37 degrees C and thermocycled (500x). Shear bond strengths were determined using a universal testing machine and the Watanabe device. For dentin bond strength testing, superficial and deep dentin was exposed in 60 third molars, by sectioning the occlusal surface immediately under the enamel-dentin junction or close to the pulp chamber. After grinding (500 grit SiC), the dentin surfaces were assigned to three groups: (1) Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB)/Clearfil AP-X resin composite. (2) Etch & Prime (E&P)/Degufill mineral resin composite. (3) Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus (SBMP)/Z100 resin composite. RESULTS One-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons tests showed that no differences were found between contact angles on superficial and deep dentin. CSEB and E&P, without significant differences between them, had greater mean contact angle than SBMP. On enamel, Etch & Prime resulted in the lowest bond strength, but no significant differences existed with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose were found. On dentin, Clearfil SE Bond resulted in the significantly highest bond strength; no significant differences exist between Etch & Prime and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose.