Self-etching adhesive system has good prospects in the adhesive of dentin and enamel with its advantages of easily operating, good sealing characteristic of the restoration margin and low technique sensitivity. In the clinic, dental defect resulting from caries is the main component of restoration. Dentists supposed that cariesinfected dentin should be removed, but the dentin demineralization without bacterial invasion（caries-affected dentin, CAD） should be reserved. CAD is the major proportion in bonding. The mineralization of CAD is lower than the normal dentin, which may lead to a different resin bond effect between CAD and normal dentin. This paper reviewed the research progress on the role of self-etching adhesive system in the bonding of CAD, contributing to popularize its internal clinical application.
