Dental Adhesion Protocol: A Clinically Oriented Literature Review with Practical Guidelines

<b>Background:</b> Dental adhesive materials are important for achieving adequate adhesion results; however, they are not the only factor contributing to final bond strength, as improper operatory field isolation and contamination also significantly influence clinical outcomes. <b>Objectives:</b> This narrative review aims to provide a clinical perspective, supported by evidence-based arguments, to identify clinical procedures for optimizing adhesive protocols, including the execution of absolute isolation with a rubber dam, appropriate cleaning and preparation of the dental substrate, and protocols applicable to total-etch and self-etch techniques. <b>Methods:</b> The literature included in this review was selected through a structured search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, long-term clinical studies, and foundational experimental investigations related to adhesive systems and substrate management. <b>Results:</b> A well-established clinical protocol that integrates proper adhesive selection, contamination-free operative field control, and adequate substrate preparation is essential for achieving predictable outcomes in adhesive dentistry. <b>Conclusions:</b> Although simplified adhesive systems offer acceptable bond strength results, established techniques continue to demonstrate consistent reliability, contributing to restorative longevity.