OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Carisolv(®) on resin composite adhesion on caries-affected dentin. METHODS Carious lesion specimens (N =46) were prepared from 45 extracted primary molars: Group 1 (N =23)-chemomechanical (Carisolv(®)) treatment; Group 2 (N =23)-rotary instrumentation; and Group 3 (N =23)-caries-free specimens from 20 noncarious primary molars. After caries removal (Groups 1 and 2) or washing and drying (Group 3), a resin composite rod (2-mm high, 0.975-mm diameter) was bonded vertically to dentin. Specimens were stressed at constant displacement (1.0 mm/minute) to failure; treated surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS The mean (±SD) microshear bond strengths of resin composite to dentin were: Group 1=6.69 (±4.08) MPa; Group 2=10.31 (±5.47) MPa; and Group 3=7.16 (±6.64) MPa. The mean bond strength of resin composite of Group 2 significantly exceeded that of Groups 1 (P=.02) and 3 (P=.01); Groups 1 and 3 did not differ significantly. There was no significant association between failure mode and treatment type (P=.22) or mean bond strength (P=.44). Carisolv(®) removed the smear layer or limited its formation, producing demineralization incompletely infiltrated by resin composite. CONCLUSIONS Chemomechanical treatment of caries-affected dentin of primary teeth did not adversely affect resin composite bonding.