This unique text is the first of its kind to emphasize the clinical aspects of dental materials as well as introduce concepts of materials science. Written by a dental hygiene educator and biomaterial scientist, this text is designed for dental hygiene/dental assisting students and clinicians. The text is divided into two sections, Fundamental Perspectives and Laboratory/Clinical Applications , and provides a realistic and practical approach to the use of dental materials. Written in outline format and offering numerous clinical illustrations, radiographs, and procedure techniques, the text provides a clear organization of the topic to facilitate learning. The Fundamental Perspectives section focuses on fundamental aspects of dental materials necessary to understand the use of the various categories of materials. At the end of each chapter in the Fundamental Perspectives section, learning activities are listed offering a greater understanding of the topic presented. The importance of the proper handling of materials is presented in detail in the Laboratory/Clinical Applications section and throughout the text. This combination of information provides a realistic and practical approach to dental materials for the dental hygienist