This study compared the shear bond strength to enamel of Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Dental Adhesive System's bonding resin following etching of enamel with 10% maleic, 1.6% oxalic, 10% phosphoric, and 35% phosphoric acids for 15, 30, and 60 seconds. Three hundred and sixty human molar teeth were used to create 12 groups of 30 enamel specimens per group (n = 30). Flattened enamel surfaces were treated with the different etchants for the time periods indicated, the surfaces primed, and adhesive resin applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The specimens were completed with Silux Plus resin and subjected to 1000 thermocycles (5-55 degrees C) followed by shear stress in an Instron Testing Machine to failure within a 24-hour period. A two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences for shear bond strength values by type of etchant (10% phosphoric, 35% phosphoric > 10% maleic > 1.6% oxalic acid) (P < 0.005) and by length of application time (P < 0.005). The interaction term for these two treatments was statistically significant (P < 0.005).